Changes

''Fasiola Hepatica'' has a definitive ruminant mammalian host and an intermediate molluscian host. The full life cycle is illustrated in the image aside.

''Fasiola Hepatica'' has a definitive ruminant mammalian host and an intermediate molluscian host. The full life cycle is illustrated in the image aside.

[[Image:Fasciola hepatica - life cycle.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Fasciola hepatica life cycle(Copyright Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) ''']]

[[Image:Fasciola hepatica.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Fasciola hepatica (Copyright Adam Cuerden, Wikimedia Commons) ''']]

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This occurs in late autumn and winter, mainly between the months of August to October. Outbreaks of acute fascioliasis usually present as sudden deaths.  On examination infected animals are weak, with pale mucous membranes.  They may also have enlarged livers, and the liver surface may be cover with a fibrinous peritonitis, particularly evident on the ventral lobe. Tracts become filled with blood and degenerate hepatocytes later infiltrated with [[Eosinophils|eosinophils]], [[Lymphocytes|lymphocytes]] and replaced by fibrosis.

This occurs in late autumn and winter, mainly between the months of August to October. Outbreaks of acute fascioliasis usually present as sudden deaths.  On examination infected animals are weak, with pale mucous membranes.  They may also have enlarged livers, and the liver surface may be cover with a fibrinous peritonitis, particularly evident on the ventral lobe. Tracts become filled with blood and degenerate hepatocytes later infiltrated with [[Eosinophils|eosinophils]], [[Lymphocytes|lymphocytes]] and replaced by fibrosis.

[[Image:Fasciola hepatica - bile duct.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Fasciola hepatica (Copyright Flukeman, Wikimedia Commons) ''']]

[[Image:Fasciola hepatica - bile duct.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Fasciola hepatica (Copyright Flukeman, Wikimedia Commons) ''']]

This is performed primarily on the clinical findings, seasonal occurance, as well as a previous history of fasciolosis on the farm.  These along with post-mortem form the basis for diagnosis of Fasciola hepatica. In practice, diagnosis of ovine fasciolosis is often more straightforward than bovine fasciolosis.   

This is performed primarily on the clinical findings, seasonal occurance, as well as a previous history of fasciolosis on the farm.  These along with post-mortem form the basis for diagnosis of Fasciola hepatica. In practice, diagnosis of ovine fasciolosis is often more straightforward than bovine fasciolosis.   

Examination of faeces for liver fluke eggs is also useful, and may be complemented by laboratory tests.  Firstly the measurement of Glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) is used.  This is an enzyme released by damaged hepatic cells, and levels become elevated within the first few weeks of infection. Another test is measuring the glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and this indicates damage to the epithelial cells of the bile ducts, and is seen later in the cycle, and maintained for a longer duration.

Examination of faeces for liver fluke eggs is also useful, and may be complemented by laboratory tests.  Firstly the measurement of Glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) is used.  This is an enzyme released by damaged hepatic cells, and levels become elevated within the first few weeks of infection. Another test commonly used is measuring the glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and this indicates damage to the epithelial cells of the bile ducts, and is seen later in the cycle, and maintained for a longer duration.

An [[ELISA]] can also be used in the detection process. It identifies antibodies against flukes in the serum and milk samples, and is deemd to be extremely reliable in this case.

An [[ELISA]] can also be used in the detection process. It identifies antibodies against flukes in the serum and milk samples, and is deemd to be extremely reliable in this case.

===Treatment===

===Treatment===

If the fuke is present treat with triclabendazole, which is effective against all stages of Fasciola hepatica.  Treatment should be applied in September/October and again in January, if faecal egg count is still postitive.

If the fuke is present treat with triclabendazole, which is effective against all stages of Fasciola hepatica.  Treatment should be applied in September/October and again in January, if faecal egg count is still postitive. One may also treat against adult only stages in May/June, preventing any future pasture contamination.  However, do not use the same treatment in September/October as used in May/June, as resistance to drugs is becoming a real problem within the UK due to overuse.  If it has been a particularly wet season, it may be necessary to