Seroprevalence of Fasciola gigantica infection in sheep in Khouzestan province, Southwest of Iran

Tropical fasciolosis is regarded as one of the most important helminthic infections of ruminants in Asia and Africa. Throughout most of its geographical range, Fasciola gigantica is of great importance as a parasite in sheep. The aim of this study was to detect seroprevalence of fascioliasis in sheep in Khouzestan province. In this study, due to the importance of livestock diseases in Khozestan province, total of 519 sheep from different areas in Khouzestan province were randomly bleeded, and their sera were preserved at 20°C. All sera were evaluated for anti- Fasciola gigantica excretory-secretory antigen by an in-house ELISA test. The results obtained from sheep show that the prevalence rate is 15.2 % (prevalence in female and male sheep was 14.3% and 25%, respectively). The prevalence rate in the age group of 4-5 years was higher than other groups, and it was lower in the age group of 2-3 years. than other groups, in Baghmalek the prevalence rate was higher area than other areas of the province. According to the results and the importance of this disease and its high prevalence, it is necessary to use appropriate strategies for controlling, preventing and treating it in the sheep in Khouzestan.