VPA 211: General Veterinary Parasitology and Helminthology (3+1)

ACUTE FASCIOLOSIS

• This is due to the Immature fluke
• It is a less common form compared to chronic form in sheep
• The condition usually results in Traumatic hepatitis which is mainly due to the migration of immature flakers.
• By about 6-8^th week after infection, extensive destruction of liver parenchyma with hemorrhage
• If the number of parasites are more, it results in rupture of the liver capsule with hemorrhages in peritoneal cavity. In such animals death occurs in a few days time from the onset of clinical signs.
• Liver is enlarged, pale in color with hemorrhagic tracts on the liver surface.
• In less acute sub acute forms the liver is covered with migratory tracts with early fibrosis
• Sub acute form is common in animals of all ages
• A complication of acute fasciolosis is the occurrence of black’s disease – A condition caused by the anaerobic bacteria Clostridium novyi which are mainly seen in the anaerobic lesions caused by the immature trematodes.

Acute Fasciolosis	Fasciolosis in lung
Acute Fasciolosis in lung	Fasciolosis in Heart

Fasciolosis in Heart

Click here to see the video of sheep affected with acute fasciolosis