Summary
The digean trematodes, Fasciola gigantica and Fasciola hepatica, cause veterinary and economic problems in domestic ruminants. Fasciola hepatica sometimes also infects humans and is therefore of zoonotic importance. These parasites are widely distributed and are a cause of serious losses to cattle, buffalo, sheep and goat producers in the tropics and sub-tropics, especially in areas where conditions favour the survival of the snail vector. Cost-effective control of these trematodes would therefore be of considerable developmental benefit.
|
|
Primary Relevance Low - High
| Feeding and Nutrition
|
|
| Animal Health |
 |
| Commodities and Markets |
|
| Other Husbandry |
|
| Policy Relevance |
 |
|
Predictive models which forecast the incidence of Fasciola hepatica and fasciolosis for the impending year have been developed and used successfully in temperate climates for some time. The use of such models allows the risk of a serious outbreak of fasciolosis to be assessed quantitatively, so that strategic dosing regimes and other suitable prophylactic actions for the forthcoming year can be selected. This project is investigating the feasibility of adapting fasciolosis forecast models for use in tropical climates. The development of predictive models, geographical information systems and/or expert systems would be an invaluable asset for fasciolosis control in these areas. These systems would be used to advise the 'target beneficiaries' on the most appropriate control strategy, which could have a profound impact on the prevalence of fasciolosis and the associated losses in animal production, as well as improving the cost-effectiveness of the prophylactic measures undertaken.
|
