| 21 October 2016 Liver fluke research at MestLab.eu
In addition to sheep, goats and cattle, liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) infections have also regularly occurred in horses in recent years. MestLab finds this more and more often and experiences this as an emerging problem for customers, especially those customers who keep their horses in the so-called risk areas (see e.g. map NL).
That is why we are expanding our standard service package with a specific test using the well-known Dorsman method. (Cambridge, 1956).
Liver fluke is a parasite that causes damage to the liver (functions). The liver is an important cleanser of the blood and, together with the pancreas, also plays a vital role in the production of enzymes, cholesterol and the secretion of bile. In addition, a good liver function is needed to maintain blood sugar and fatty acid levels in the blood and to store vitamins. Many complaints are caused by the accumulation of waste in the liver.
The liver fluke has a different life cycle than, for example, blood and roundworms because it needs a freshwater snail (Galba Truncatula) as an intermediate host to develop. Liver-fluke infections therefore mainly occur in horses that have walked on low-lying, moist pastures, whether or not in combination with sheep, goats or cattle. |
