Gastrointestinal parasites, liver flukes and lungworms in domestic ruminants from central Italy

Introduction - In ruminants, gastrointestinal, liver and lung parasites may represent a limiting factor for farm production. Aim - The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of gastrointestinal, liver and lung parasites in adult ruminants living in two different areas of Tuscany, central Italy. Materials and methods - Between April 2012 and December 2014, 178 adult ruminants (76 cattle, 61 sheep and 41 goats) from 16 extensive farms located in two different areas (A1 and A2) of Tuscany, were examined to assess the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites, liver flukes and lungworms. A1 included 111 animals from farms located in flat areas subject to water stagnation in rainy seasons, while A2 included 67 animals from farms located in hilly and drier areas. Individual faecal samples collected from all animals were analysed using qualitative and quantitative parasitological techniques. A total of 94 animals were examined for Fasciola hepatica also by using two commercial Elisa kits for the detection of faecal antigens and antibodies in serum, respectively. Data were statistically analysed. Results and discussion - An overall prevalence of 83.7% was found in the examined animals. Higher prevalence values (p<0.001) were found in small ruminants than in cattle and in Area 2 compared to Area 1. With regard to isolated parasites, gastrointestinal strongyles and coccidia were prevalent in all ruminant species and in both areas, while the prevalence of F. hepatica was higher in small ruminants and in Area 1 than in cattle and Area 2, respectively. Conclusion - Results indicated that in both areas and in all ruminant species, gastrointestinal parasites and liver flukes require more effective control measures.