Update on trematode infections in sheep.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Helminthology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Trematodes are parasitic flatworms with significant economic and veterinary impact.
• Liver flukes, such as Fasciola hepatica, Fasciola gigantica, and Fascioloides magna, cause significant disease in ruminants worldwide.
• Other trematodes like Dicrocoelium dendriticum and Paramphistomidae also infect sheep and ruminants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of trematode species of veterinary importance in domestic sheep.
• To highlight the significance of liver fluke infections in sheep and other ruminants.
• To discuss the global distribution and intermediate hosts of key trematode parasites.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications on trematode infections in domestic sheep.
• Analysis of the economic and veterinary significance of various trematode species.
• Focus on Fasciola spp. and other relevant trematodes affecting ruminants.

Main Results:

• Fasciola hepatica is a globally significant cause of hepatic fasciolosis in sheep.
• Climatic conditions favoring aquatic snail intermediate hosts influence the prevalence of Fasciola spp.
• Other trematodes, including Fasciola gigantica, Fascioloides magna, Dicrocoelium dendriticum, and certain Paramphistomidae, are also of veterinary concern in ruminants.

Conclusions:

• Trematode infections, particularly liver flukes, pose a substantial threat to the health and productivity of domestic sheep.
• Effective management strategies require understanding parasite life cycles, intermediate hosts, and geographical distribution.
• Continued research and surveillance are essential for controlling trematode diseases in sheep populations globally.