PREVALENCE OF LIVER FLUKES INFECTIONS IN SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS IN KASHAN, ISFAHAN PROVINCE, CENTRAL IRAN

Liver fluke are common parasites of herbivores in most of Middle East countries including Iran. The choroic infections of this parasite cause biliary liver cirrhosis in cattle, sheep and goats that leads to huge economic losses. This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of fascioliosis and dicrocoelioss in Slaughtered animals in Kashan,Isfahan Provience central Iran. A total of 267802 liver stock including 9066 cattle, 77912 sheep and 180824 goats and were slaughtered in the 2-year period were examined and overall 31954 (12%) livers were infected. Fascioliasis and dicrocoeliosis were responsible for 4.8% and 5.6% of total liver condemnations in this period, respectively. The infection rate of female sheep was more than males, but in female cattle and goats was lower than males. Data showed significant seasonal pattern for Dicrocoelium dendriticum in sheep and goats, but no for Fasciola in different animals. Liver condemnations due to fascioliasis and dicrocoeliosis were more prevalent in cattle slaughtered during spring. This survey provides baseline data for the future monitoring of these potentially important parasitic infections in this region.