Fasciola hepatica in donkeys from southern Texas, USA

Fasciola hepatica is a trematode parasite with a global distribution found in various mammalian hosts, most notably ruminants. It is associated with hepatic lesions including necrosis and inflammation, as well as can increase the risk of secondary bacterial infections. There is a lack of reports of fasciolosis in equids in North America. This report documents the pre- and postmortem findings of two cases of chronic fasciolosis in donkeys from southern Texas, United States. Grossly, left hepatic lobe atrophy and concurrent right lobe hypertrophy was observed. Histologic examination of the liver showed classic findings of intra-ductular trematode adults and eggs with biliary hyperplasia and fibrosis.