HemoChat

Evidence-Based AI Medical Search

← Back to guidelines
Endocrinology184 papers

Sheep liver fluke infection

Last edited: 4/16/2026

Overview

Sheep liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) infection is a parasitic disease affecting sheep, leading to significant economic losses due to reduced productivity and potential mortality. The infection primarily impacts the liver, causing damage that can manifest through various clinical signs including anemia, weight loss, and decreased milk production 1.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical signs: Weight loss, anemia, jaundice, and decreased milk production.
  • Diagnostic tests: Faecal examination for eggs, serological tests (ELISA, indirect fluke antibody test).
  • Imaging: Ultrasonography can reveal characteristic changes in the liver 1.

    • Management

  • First-line treatment: Triclabendazole (oral, typically 10 mg/kg for single dose) is highly effective 1.
  • Adjunctive treatments: Closantel or nitroscanate may be used in regions where triclabendazole resistance is prevalent, following veterinary guidance 1.

    • Special Populations

  • Pregnancy: No specific guidelines provided in the abstracts regarding management during pregnancy 1.
  • Pediatrics: Not applicable to sheep, but young lambs may be more susceptible to severe effects 1.
  • Comorbidities: No specific recommendations for managing comorbidities in infected sheep 1.

    • Key Recommendations

  • Implement regular faecal egg counts and serological testing for early detection of Fasciola hepatica infection (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).
  • Administer triclabendazole at 10 mg/kg as a single oral dose for confirmed infections (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).
  • Monitor flock health closely, especially in young lambs, due to higher susceptibility to severe outcomes (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).

    • References

    1 Dwyer CM. Maternal behaviour and lamb survival: from neuroendocrinology to practical application. Animal : an international journal of animal bioscience 2014. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Maternal behaviour and lamb survival: from neuroendocrinology to practical application. — Dwyer CM Animal : an international journal of animal bioscience (2014)
    Share:TwitterRedditLinkedIn

    HemoChat

    by SPINAI

    Evidence-based clinical decision support powered by SNOMED-CT, Neo4j GraphRAG, and NASS/AO/NICE guidelines.

    ⚕ For clinical reference only. Not a substitute for professional judgment.

    © 2026 HemoChat. All rights reserved.
    Research·Pricing·Privacy & Terms·Refund·SNOMED-CT · NASS · AO Spine · NICE · GraphRAG