A Review on Bovine Fasciolosis

Bovine fasciolosis is a parasitic disease of cattle caused by trematodes usually Fasciola gigantica and Fasciola hepatica in the tropics. The members of this genus are commonly known as liver flukes. The life cycle of these trematodes involves snail as an intermediate host (IH). The disease is found in vast water lodged and marshy grazing field condition anticipated to be ideal for the propagation and maintenance of high prevalence of fasciolosis. This disease is widely distributed in areas where cattle are raised and there is a niche for Lymnaeid snail. The disease is usually characterized by a chronic, sometimes acute or sub-acute inflammation of the liver and bile ducts, accompanied by sub-mandibular oedema, anaemia, anorexia, general intoxication and death. It is an important limiting factor for bovine production. It causes several economic losses. The losses may be direct or indirect. The flukes cause severe liver damage and result in total condemnation of liver. Diagnosis of bovine fasciolosis is based on clinical sign, grazing history, seasonal occurrence, examination of faces by laboratory tests and post-mortem examination. In cattle, chronic form of the disease is more common and drugs like rafoxanide and nitroxynil other than triclabendazole are more effective. The disease can be controlled by reducing the population of the intermediate host or by using anthelmintics.