Seasonal and age-related dynamics of buffalo fascioliasis in the Dagestan lowlands

Introduction. Fascioliasis is highly prevalent in the North Caucasus lowlands, infecting 37–46% of adult buffaloes; however, the critical drivers of infection – seasonality and host age – are poorly understood.

Objective. Investigating seasonal and age-related fascioliasis dynamics in buffaloes kept in the lowland zones of the Republic of Dagestan.

Materials and methods. To investigate the spread of fascioliasis in the lowland Babayurt region, a total of 240 fecal samples from buffaloes aged one year and older, 20 liver samples, and 1,428 pond snails (Lymnaea palustris, Lymnaea stagnalis, Lymnaea auricularia, and Lymnaea truncatula) were collected. Parasites were detected using both antemortem (coproscopy) and postmortem (helminthological autopsy of the liver and gallbladder) methods.

Results. A high prevalence of fascioliasis was established in adult buffaloes of the lowland zone, a phenomenon attributable to the cumulative nature of parasitic infection. Infection rates demonstrated significant seasonal variation, peaking in December (60%) and reaching a minimum in June (40%). A marked increase in both prevalence and intensity of infection was observed from August to November, likely driven by a seasonal rise  in the population of infected intermediate hosts on pastures. Among the gastropods studied (L. palustris, L. stagnalis, L. auricularia, and L. truncatula), larval stages of fasciola were found exclusively in the dwarf and great pond snails, confirming their role as the key intermediate hosts in this region.

Conclusion. Understanding the regional epizootology of buffalo fascioliasis is crucial for developing effective control strategies against this zoonosis. Our findings, which elucidate the local dynamics of the parasite’s life cycle, provide a foundation for targeted prevention measures tailored to the specific conditions of the area.

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