Some studies on fasciola gigantica among naturally infected rabbits in Behera Governorate, Egypt

ABSTRACT

Fecal samples from 478 Baladi rabbits were examined for the presence of Fasciola gigantica eggs, to clarify its possible role in the epidemiology of this parasite. The seasonal dynamics of F. gigantica among naturally infected rabbits was stated, where the infestation role with this helminth parasite was found to be 16% in autumn, 29.6% in winter, 3.6% in spring and only 2.8% during the summer months. The detected eggs were viable and hatched after 7-9 days at 26C. The hatched miracidia were active and remained alive for 9 hours. Moreover, the pathological changes in the livers of naturally infested rabbits with F. gigantica were also discussed