Epidemiology and control of Fasciola gigantica in East Africa

Abstract

The literature on the epidemiology of Fasciola gigantica in East Africa is reviewed. The life cycle, distribution, economic importance, pathogenesis, pathology and diagnosis of fascioliasis are discussed with special reference to F. gigantica. The definitive hosts and habitat requirements and the distribution of the intermediate snail host are considered.

Furthermore, the literature on the control of F. gigantica infection in livestock in East Africa is reviewed. Both direct and indirect control methods considered by the author to be suitable for East Africa and in particular for Tanzania are discussed.