Animal fascioliasis in coastal regions of the Caspian Sea, Iran [2006-2007]

ABSTRACT

To determine the prevalence of animal fascioliasis in coastal regions of the Caspian Sea, during 2006-2007, a total of 2368 faecal samples were collected from sheep [n=1250], cattle [n=975] and horse [n=143]. The samples were obtained directly from the rectum of animals. Floatation method was performed for determination of egg per gram of faeces [EPG]. Our findings revealed the presence of Fasciola spp. eggs in 9.53, 7.8 and 2.5% of sheep and 32.5, 12.1 and 3.1% of cattle in Gilan, Mazandaran and Golestan, respectively. Among the horse faecal samples collected from Golestan and Gilan provinces, no eggs were found in Golestan, while 50% of those of Gilan were infected with Fasciola spp. Cattle was one of the most infected animals in the studied areas. A positive correlation was found between climatic conditions and animal fascioliasis. Among different meteorological factors, rainfall seems to be the strongest factor