Veterinarska stanica, Vol. 56 No. 4, 2025.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.46419/vs.56.4.5
Detection of biliary trematodes in sheep and goats from northern and central Portugal
Sérgio Santos-Silva
; School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Andreia Vanessa Soares Cruz
; School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Priscilla Gomes da Silva
; School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal, Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
Jaqueline Tavares Bento
; University of Aveiro (UA), Aveiro, Portugal
Daniela Almeida
; School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Patrícia Ferreira Barradas
; Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal, Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal, Department of Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal
Luís Cardoso
orcid.org/0000-0002-6145-7560
; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal, CECAV – Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), UTAD, 5000- 801 Vila Real, Portugal
João Rodrigo Mesquita
orcid.org/0000-0001-8769-8103
; School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal, Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal, Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis are severe parasitic infections that result in substantial economic damages to livestock farming globally as a consequence of reduced productivity and viscera condemnation. Molecular tests such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can detect Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum DNA with high sensitivity and specificity. In this study, we aimed to assess the presence of F. hepatica and D. dendriticum by
PCR-based techniques in 400 small ruminant bile samples retrieved from central Portugal. Additionally, we conducted genetic characterisation of F. hepatica and D. dendriticum in these samples. Only one of the 400 bile samples (0.25%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01–1.39) examined by PCR tested positive for F. hepatica, and two samples (0.50%, 95% CI: 0.06–1.79) tested positive for D. dendriticum. Our findings indicate a low prevalence of F. hepatica and D. dendriticum in Portuguese small ruminants, underscoring the need to investigate
factors leading to meat rejection in slaughterhouses. Implementing effective parasite control measures is crucial to minimise economic losses and improve food safety. Addressing these infections and deploying targeted control strategies can enhance livestock production sustainability and ensure safe, high-quality meat products for consumers.
Keywords
Dicrocoelium dendriticum; Fasciola hepatica; Portugal; slaughterhouse; small ruminants
Hrčak ID:
320054
URI
Publication date:
26.1.2025.
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