Potential for the spread of Fasciola hepatica in cattle in Oklahoma

In 29 central and western Oklahoma counties, 42 ranches were investigated for indigenous Fasciola hepatica infections and their suitability for the transmission of liver fluke. A 10-year retrospective study of Oklahoma cattle based on samples submitted to the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory also was done. Indigenous fascioliasis was found in cattle in 12 counties (9 central and western counties identified in the combined field and retrospective studies and 3 additional eastern counties identified on the basis of the retrospective study). Factors essential for survival of free-living stages of F hepatica and for snail species necessary for propagation of the fluke existed in much of Oklahoma. Snails capable of serving as intermediate hosts for transmission of the fluke reportedly have been found in 41 of the 77 Oklahoma counties. Lymnaeid snails were detected in 4 counties in the field study.