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Fascioliasis problems in ruminants in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Veterinary Parasitology
|November 1, 1982
Summary
Fascioliasis significantly impacts livestock in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with high liver condemnation rates in cattle and sheep due to Fasciola hepatica. Control strategies are needed to mitigate economic losses from this parasitic disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Livestock Economics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Fascioliasis, caused by Fasciola hepatica, poses a significant economic threat to the livestock industry.
- The state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil experiences substantial losses due to this parasitic infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the economic impact of fascioliasis in Rio Grande do Sul's livestock sector.
- To identify the prevalence of Fasciola hepatica infection in cattle and sheep.
Main Methods:
- Utilized federal meat inspection data from major slaughterhouses in Rio Grande do Sul.
- Recorded annual average rates of livers condemned due to Fasciola hepatica infection.
Main Results:
- Annual liver condemnation rates averaged 12-13% in cattle and 7% in sheep.
- Farms in frontier regions bordering Uruguay are heavily contaminated, experiencing acute fascioliasis and high sheep mortality during wet winters.
Conclusions:
- Fascioliasis represents a considerable economic burden on the livestock industry in Rio Grande do Sul.
- The presence of intermediate hosts, Lymnaea viatrix and Lymnaea columella, facilitates Fasciola hepatica transmission.
- Targeted control measures are essential to reduce economic losses and improve animal health.