Development of a pen-side test for liver fluke in cattle and sheep.

Fasciolosis is a major disease of cattle and sheep and is a key problem within the farming industry. It is caused by the parasite, Fasciola hepatica (a liver fluke), and is acquired by the ingestion of water or vegetation contaminated by the infectious stage of the parasite. The parasite goes on to colonise the liver of cattle and sheep where they feed on liver cells and blood. The presence of these parasites causes reduced milk yields, poor fertility and high perinatal loses, and chronic weight loss in cattle. In addition to these effects seen in cattle, acute disease can cause sudden death from haemorrhage and liver damage in sheep. These effects in turn cause economic losses, estimated to be £1312 million worldwide. Currently diagnosis of fasciolosis is based upon epidemiological data and blood samples (for raised liver enzymes) in the acute/sub-acute disease, and the demonstration of eggs in faeces in chronic disease. A number of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques have also been developed, however, both these and egg counts have to be carried out in central laboratories with the expertise to do so and can take several days to perform, thus there is a clear need for a simple rapid decentralised test. The project will aim to develop a pen-side lateral flow device (LFD) for the diagnosis of fasciolosis in cattle and sheep from faecal samples, with the aim of producing a simple to use, rapid test that will allow farmers and veterinarians to make informed decisions on whether treatment is required.