Case report of liver fluke in cattle from the municipality of Madera, Chihuahua

Abstract

The presence of Fasciola hepatica in cattle from a production unit located in the municipality of Madera, Chihuahua, Mexico, is reported. This area is characterized by a temperate, subhumid climate with the presence of ephemeral water bodies. The case involved seven affected animals, four of which presented prostration and submandibular edema, and three died. The most relevant clinical signs included loss of body condition, coarse hair, depression, submandibular edema, and pale mucous membranes, with no evidence of fever, jaundice, or diarrhea. The necropsy revealed hepatomegaly, pale liver parenchyma with focal necrosis, fibrosis, cholangitis, and the presence of adult flukes in the bile ducts. Mild ascites and submandibular edema were also observed. The differential diagnosis included malignant edema, bovine leptospirosis, and severe protein deficiency; however, confirmation was made by direct identification of F. hepatica in the bile ducts and correlation with clinical and necroscopic findings. Treatment consisted of closantel and ivermectin, vitamin and mineral supplementation, and management measures to reduce exposure to habitats favorable to the intermediate snail (Lymnaea spp.). This report highlights the importance of health surveillance in rural areas of Chihuahua, the early identification of bovine fasciolosis, and the implementation of comprehensive control strategies to minimize production losses and the risk of reinfection.

https://doi.org/10.21929/abanicomicrobiano/2025.5   

2025-5

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