Paramphistomosis in Livestock: An Emerging Parasitic Disease of Veterinary and Economic Importance

Abstract

Paramphistomosis (rumen fluke disease) is one of the most important parasitic diseases in animals lowering livestock productivity worldwide. It is a significant threat to global food security as a cause of morbidity and mortality in livestock in subtropical and tropical climates. Even though animals may tolerate mild to moderate parasite infection, excessive worm loads can result in substantial economic losses. The current choices for diagnosis and therapy are relatively limited, and addressing fundamental concerns about the biology of rumen flukes will be necessary to improve them. In order to handle this threat that rumen fluke infection poses to animals and the related implications to food security, it is critical that we get a deeper comprehension of the parasite biology and its interactions with its host. This review paper examines the latest developments in monitoring the spread of rumen fluke infection in livestock and suggests some research issues that need to be answered in order to provide future diagnostic and therapeutic tools for paramphistomosis to lessen its economic impact.