Authors : A. Daryani , R. Alaei , R. Arab , M. Sharif , M.H. Dehghan and H. Ziaei
Abstract: Fasciola spp. and Dicrocoelium dendriticum are common parasites of herbivores in most countries of the Middle East, such as Iran. In chronic infections, these parasites cause biliary cirrhosis in livers of cattle and sheep and lead to economic losses. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of fascioliasis and dicrocoeliasis in animals. In a cross-sectional study, the livers of 5381 animals bread with traditional methods and 1848 animals bread with commercial methods, in Ardabil province, northwestern Iran, (2004-2005) were inspected for Fasciola spp. and Dicrocoelium dendriticum. The highest prevalence of Fasciola and Dicrocoelium infections were seen in cattle and goats, respectively. There was a significant seasonal pattern for Dicrocoelium in cattle, sheep and goats (p<0.001), but in different animals there were no statistically significant differences with respect to season. The most and the least rates of total condemnation of liver were seen in cattle (19.4%) and goats (0.4%), respectively (p<0.001).
A. Daryani , R. Alaei , R. Arab , M. Sharif , M.H. Dehghan and H. Ziaei , 2006. Prevalence of Liver Fluke Infections in Slaughtered Animals in Ardabil Province, Northwestern Iran . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 5: 408-411.