Strongyle faecal egg counts in Swiss horses: A retrospective analysis after the introduction of a selective treatment strategy.

The standard parasite management of horses based on regular anthelmintic treatments, now practiced for decades has resulted in a worrying expansion of resistant helminth populations, which may considerably impair control on the farm level. The aim of the present study was to obtain a retrospective (year 2010 - 2016) nationwide analysis of faecal egg count (FEC) data from the Swiss adult horse population, related to horse age and geographic region. Thirteen labs provided a total of 16,387 FEC data of horses aged four to 39 years (average: 13.6 years). The annual number of performed FEC tests increased from 38 to 4,939 within the observation period. Independent of the annual sample size the yearly patterns of the FEC were very similar. Seventy-eight percent (n = 12,840) of the samples were negative and 90 % (n = 14,720) showed a FEC below 200 strongyle eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces. The annual mean strongyle FEC ranged between 60 and 88 EPG with a total mean of 75 EPG. Horses aged 4-7 years showed a significantly (p < 0.00001) higher mean FEC compared with the other age groups, differences were not significant among the older horses. Based on ZIP codes, samples were allocated by 70.0 %, 6.0 % and 0.2 % to the German-, French- and Italian-speaking regions of Switzerland, respectively. With 222 EPG the mean FEC in the French part of Switzerland was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in the German-speaking region (60 EPG). Eggs of Parascaris spp., anoplocephalids and Strongyloides westeri were found in 0.36 %, 0.32 % and 0.01 % of the samples, respectively. Based on 3,813 questionnaire feedbacks from owners in 2017 covering a total of 12,689 horses, sixty-eight percent (n = 8,476) were dewormed without diagnosis, two percent (n = 240) were not dewormed at all, whereas for 30 % (n = 3,721) the selective anthelmintic treatment (SAT) concept was applied. The SAT implementation rate differed significantly (p < 0.0005) between regions, with 33 %, 20 % and 25 % for the German-, French- and Italian-speaking areas, respectively. The rate of horses spending 16-24 h on pasture per day was significantly higher in the French-speaking region compared to the German-speaking part of Switzerland (p < 0.0001). In addition, pasture hygiene was practiced at a significantly lower rate in the French-speaking part compared to the German- and Italian-speaking regions (both p < 0.0001). Overall, the shift towards the SAT-concept represents a very promising development with respect to mitigating the further spread of anthelmintic resistance.

Strongyloides stercoralis in Swiss dogs - a retrospective study suggests an increasing occurrence of this potentially zoonotic parasite as a consequence of dog imports.

INTRODUCTION: Strongyloides stercoralis is a worldwide occurring nematode infecting canids and primates (including humans), responsible for a largely underestimated zoonotic disease. We here present 18 cases including overall 20 dogs affected by S. stercoralis, diagnosed in Switzerland between 2010 and 2020. The Baermann examination was positive for S. stercoralis larvae in 10, suspicious in 4, negative in one and not performed in 2 dogs. In 3 dogs the infection was identified only at necropsy by histology or by direct faecal or mucosal smears from intestinal tissue. Confirmation of suspected, necropsied and Baermann-negative dogs relied on genetic analyses. Twelve dogs had a history of import from Eastern Europe (n=4), the Mediterranean basin (n=5) or Germany (n=3). They were 7 weeks to 9,5 months old, and also the dogs supposedly born in Switzerland were younger than one year (except two, aged 15 months and 14 years). Thirteen dogs were males and 6 females (1 unknown). The most represented breeds were Chihuahuas (n=5), French Bulldogs (n=4) and Pomeranians (n=3). The most frequent clinical sign and reason for presentation was diarrhoea, occurring in 11/20 animals. Further gastrointestinal symptoms were vomiting, anorexia/hyporexia, adipsia, dehydration, tense abdomen and tenesmus. Respiratory symptoms were the second most frequent, with coughing in 7/20 animals, followed by tachypnoea/dyspnoea in 5 and (reverse) sneezing in 3 dogs. Treatment with 50 mg/kg BW fenbendazole p.o. over 5 days was successful in 4 cases in which a follow-up examination was performed 3-6 weeks later; prolonged treatment over 21 days was also effective. Ivermectin off-label protocols described in the literature, e.g. 0,8 mg/kg BW s.c. or 0,5 mg/kg BW i.m. repeated after 2 weeks, were successful based on control examinations performed 3-10 weeks later. Strongyloides stercoralis infections are clinically relevant, potentially zoonotic and need to be included in differential diagnoses in case of canine gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders, especially in young and imported dogs.

INTRODUCTION: Strongyloides stercoralis est un nématode présent dans le monde entier et infectant les canidés et les primates (y compris les humains), responsable d'une zoonose largement sous-estimée. Nous présentons ici 18 cas incluant au total 20 chiens atteints de S. stercoralis, diagnostiqués en Suisse entre 2010 et 2020. L'examen de Baermann était positif pour les larves de S. stercoralis chez 10, suspect chez 4, négatif chez un et non réalisé chez 2 chiens. Chez 3 chiens, l'infection n'a été identifiée qu'à l'autopsie par histologie ou par frottis fécal ou muqueux de tissu intestinal. La confirmation des chiens suspects, autopsiés et Baermann-négatifs reposait sur des analyses génétiques. Douze chiens avaient des antécédents d'importation d'Europe de l'Est (n=4), du bassin méditerranéen (n=5) ou d'Allemagne (n=3). Ils étaient âgés de 7 semaines à 9,5 mois, et les chiens supposément nés en Suisse avaient moins d'un an (sauf deux, âgés de 15 mois et 14 ans). Treize chiens étaient des mâles et six des femelles (1 inconnu). Les races les plus représentées étaient les Chihuahuas (n=5), les Bouledogues français (n=4) et les Poméraniens (n=3). Le signe clinique et le motif de présentation les plus fréquents étaient la diarrhée, survenant chez 11/20 animaux. D'autres symptômes gastro-intestinaux étaient des vomissements, anorexie/hyporexie, adipsie, déshydratation, tension abdominale et ténesme. Les symptômes respiratoires étaient les seconds plus fréquents, avec une toux chez 7/20 animaux, suivie d'une tachypnée/dyspnée chez 5 et d'éternuements (inverses) chez 3 chiens. Un traitement avec 50 mg/kg de poids corporel de fenbendazole p.o. durant 5 jours a réussi dans les 4 cas dans lesquels un examen de suivi a été effectué 3 à 6 semaines plus tard ; un traitement prolongé sur 21 jours a également été efficace. Les protocoles hors AMM avec de l'ivermectine décrits dans la littérature, par ex. 0,8 mg/kg de poids corporel s.c. ou 0,5 mg/kg de poids corporel i.m. répétés après 2 semaines, ont été couronnés de succès sur la base de contrôles effectués 3 à 10 semaines plus tard. Les infections à Strongyloides stercoralis sont cliniquement pertinentes, potentiellement zoonotiques et doivent être incluses dans les diagnostics différentiels en cas de troubles gastro-intestinaux et respiratoires canins, en particulier chez les jeunes chiens et les chiens importés.

Surgical management of choroid plexus papilloma of the cerebellopontine and cerebellomedullary angle: classification and strategy.

Choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs) are primary neuroectodermal neoplasms that usually arise in the fourth ventricle in adults. In this study, we present 12 patients with CPP arising from the cerebellopontine angle (CPP-CPA) and/or of the cerebellomedullary angle (CPP-CMA) that were treated in our department. Patients who underwent surgery for the treatment for CPP-CPA/CMA from January 2004 to March 2020 were identified by a computer search of their files from the Department of Neurosurgery, Tübingen. CPPs were classified according to their location into type 1 (tumor portion only in the CPA,), type 2 (tumor portions only in the CMA), and type 3 (tumor portions both in the CPA and CMA). Patients were evaluated for initial symptoms, previous therapies in other hospitals, extent of tumor resection, recurrence rate, and complications by reviewing patient documents. Of approximately 1500 CPA lesions, which were surgically treated in our department in the last 16 years, 12 patients (mean age 42 ± 19 years) were found to have CPP-CPA/CMA. Five were male, and seven were female patients. Gross total resection was achieved in nine cases, and a subtotal resection was attained in three cases. Tumor recurrence in the same location after the first surgery in our hospital was observed in 2 patients after 15 and 40 months of follow-up, and in another patient, distant metastases (C3/4 and L3 levels) were observed. Surgical removal of CPP is the treatment of choice, but additional therapeutic options may be necessary in case of remnant tumor portions, recurrence, or malignant transformation.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in Barbary striped grass mice (Lemniscomys barbarus).

INTRODUCTION: Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligate intracellular microsporidian parasite that commonly induces subclinical infections in rabbits, but occurs also in a range of other species, including various rodents, carnivores, humans and birds. The present report describes encephalitozoonosis in a group of captive Barbary striped grass mice (Lemniscomys barbarus) in a zoo collection. The aetiology was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and PCR with subsequent sequencing. The source of infection is not known.

The impact of socio-cultural factors on transmission of Taenia spp. and Echinococcus granulosus in Kosovo.

Echinococcus granulosus sensu latu (s.l.) and Taenia hydatigena are common parasites of ruminant intermediate hosts in the Balkans. Transmission is linked mainly to home slaughtering and the feeding of infected organs to dogs. In Kosovo, many old sheep are slaughtered particularly during Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice). To determine whether this tradition could affect parasite transmission, we compared the probability of 504 dogs to contract taenid infections after deworming during one period before Eid al-Adha and a similar period beginning with this event. Initially, taeniid eggs were detected in 6·2% (CI 4·2-8·6) of the dogs. The prevalence before Eid al-Adha was significantly lower (1·2%, CI 0·4-2·6) as compared with the prevalence after the event (4·3%, CI 2·6-6·3). A comparable trend was apparent at species level for T. hydatigena and E. granulosus. These results indicate that the pronounced increase of taeniid infections, including E. granulosus s.l., after Eid al-Adha is linked to traditional home slaughtering that occurs during this celebration. This particular epidemiological situation provides an opportunity for implementing focussed control activities.

Reinforcement learning of self-regulated sensorimotor ß-oscillations improves motor performance.

Self-regulation of sensorimotor oscillations is currently researched in neurorehabilitation, e.g. for priming subsequent physiotherapy in stroke patients, and may be modulated by neurofeedback or transcranial brain stimulation. It has still to be demonstrated, however, whether and under which training conditions such brain self-regulation could also result in motor gains. Thirty-two right-handed, healthy subjects participated in a three-day intervention during which they performed 462 trials of kinesthetic motor-imagery while a brain-robot interface (BRI) turned event-related ß-band desynchronization of the left sensorimotor cortex into the opening of the right hand by a robotic orthosis. Different training conditions were compared in a parallel-group design: (i) adaptive classifier thresholding and contingent feedback, (ii) adaptive classifier thresholding and non-contingent feedback, (iii) non-adaptive classifier thresholding and contingent feedback, and (iv) non-adaptive classifier thresholding and non-contingent feedback. We studied the task-related cortical physiology with electroencephalography and the behavioral performance in a subsequent isometric motor task. Contingent neurofeedback and adaptive classifier thresholding were critical for learning brain self-regulation which, in turn, led to behavioral gains after the intervention. The acquired skill for sustained sensorimotor ß-desynchronization correlated significantly with subsequent motor improvement. Operant learning of brain self-regulation with a BRI may offer a therapeutic perspective for severely affected stroke patients lacking residual hand function.

First report of Echinococcus granulosus (genotype G6) in a dog in Bamako, Mali.

Cystic echinococcosis is one of the most widespread and important helminthic zoonoses, caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. However, to date there is little information about the disease in West Africa. Faecal and fur samples from 193 dogs, the main final hosts, were collected in 2010 and 2011 in Bamako, Mali. Taeniid eggs were found microscopically in 28/118 (24%) and 80/223 (36%) faecal and fur samples, respectively. One faecal and one fur sample from the same dog were positive for E. granulosus s. l. DNA. In the remaining 27 faecal (96%) and 77 fur samples (96%) only Taenia DNA was detected. Three microscopically positive fur samples were negative by PCR. Sequence analysis of part of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 gene identified the parasite as E. granulosus (genotype G6; Echinococcus canadensis). This is the first study to focus on the final host of E. granulosus s. l. in Mali and the first report of E. canadensis in Mali.

[Helminth control in the adult horse: the need for a re-orientation]. / Helminthenmanagement beim adulten Pferd: Notwendigkeit einer Neuorientierung.

The epidemiological situation of strongyle infections in adult horses in Switzerland is characterized by a strong dominance of small strongyles (Cyathostominae) and an overall low level of egg shedding in the faeces. The prevailing attitude towards anthelmintic therapy considers neither husbandry conditions nor pasture hygiene measures. Instead, calendar-based routine medication, comprising usually 3 to 4 annual treatments, is the typical strategy. Such an approach, however, often results in an excessive administration of anthelmintics. With respect to the continuous spread of drug resistant cyathostomins a change of strategy seems inevitable. A consensus has been agreed on between equine parasitologists and clinicians of the Vetsuisse Faculty in Zurich and Berne to focus on the concept of a selective control approach, based on individual faecal egg counts as the central element. It is now recommended that clinically healthy horses (> 4 y) are treated only when their strongyle egg count is equal to or higher than 200 eggs per gram of faeces. A regular analysis of the strongyle population based on larval cultures, the control of drug efficacy, and quarantine measures for incoming horses are mandatory components of the concept. Recent experiences in several pilot farms have indicated that only 4 % of the McMaster analyses resulted in a deworming treatment. For horses that did not receive any nematicidal anthelmintic during the current season, a "safety" treatment is recommended at the end of the grazing period.

En Suisse, la situation épidémiologique des infestations des chevaux adultes par les strongylidés est caractérisée par une nette dominance des petits strongles (Cyathostominae) et par un faible niveau d'excrétion des œufs de parasites dans les selles. Cars les conditions de détention des chevaux et les mesures relatives à l'hygiène des pâtures ne sont que rarement prises en compte dans la planification des mesures de contrôle des parasitoses, il en résulte un schéma de traitement de routine basé sur 3 à 4 traitements par année, ce qui représente un usage d'anthelminthiques souvent supérieur à la nécessité. Vu le développement continu de populations de cyatostomes résistants aux anthelminthiques, un changement de stratégie dans le contrôle des helminthes est nécessaire. Le contrôle sélectif propagé par les parasitologues et les cliniciens des deux sites de la faculté Vetsuisse propose de seulement traiter les chevaux sains adultes (> de 4 ans) si l'excrétion des œufs de strongles dépasse 200 œufs par gramme de selles. Une différentiation régulière des populations de strongles, le contrôle de l'efficacité des anthelminthiques et des mesures de quarantaines chez les nouveaux venus sont des composants indispensables de ce concept. Les expériences faites jusqu'à présent avec cette stratégie dans plusieurs exploitations-pilotes montrent que seulement 4 % des analyses coprologiques sont suivies par une application d'anthelminthiques. Pour les chevaux qui n'ont pas été vermifugés pendant toute la saison, un traitement de sécurité à la fin de la saison de pâturage est recommandé.

[Allopurinol therapy in imported dogs with leishmaniasis treated outside the endemic area]. / Allopurinol-Therapie bei importierten Hunden mit Leishmaniose ausserhalb des Endemiegebietes.

Canine leishmaniosis (CL) has become one of the most frequently diagnosed travel associated infection in dogs in Switzerland and Germany. The aim of the study was to define recommendations for treatment with allopurinol and follow-up examinations of dogs with CL in a non endemic area. 31 dogs infected with Leishmania were treated with allopurinol (10 - 15 mg/kg twice daily, per os) and the effectiveness was examined. The diagnosis had been confirmed by the detection of specific anti-Leishmania antibodies and/or Leihmania-DNA. 22 dogs had clinical signs (skin lesions, lameness or lack of fitness) and 9 dogs were asymptomatic but showed abnormal laboratory parameters. Under treatment with allopurinol the symptoms disappeared within 1 - 5 months in 20 dogs.

La leishmaniose canine est l'une des maladies «de voyage¼ les plus souvent diagnostiquées actuellement en Suisse et en Allemagne. Le but de la présente étude était d'élaborer des recommandations pratiques relatives au traitement à l'allopurinol et au suivi dans une zone non-endémique. On a observé, sur la base de 31 chiens souffrant de leishmaniose, importés et accompagnant des voyageurs, l'effet de l'allopurinol (10 ­ 15 mg/kg, 2x/jour per os), tant du point de vue clinique que de celui des paramètres de laboratoire. Le diagnostic avait été posé par la mise en évidence de l'ADN et/ou des anticorps. 22 chiens présentaient des signes cliniques (lésions cutanées, boiteries et baisse de condition) et 9 chiens étaient asymptomatiques mais montraient des modifications à l'analyse de laboratoire. Sous allopurinol, les symptômes ont disparu en 1 à 5 mois chez 20 chiens.

[Modern surgery of meningiomas affecting anterior visual pathways]. / Moderne Meningeomchirurgie im Bereich der vorderen Sehbahn.

Meningiomas are the most common form of primary intracranial tumors. If the anterior visual pathways are affected clinical visual compromise, visual field defects, oculomotor nerve disturbances or propotosis are predominant. Meningiomas of the anterior visual pathway remain therapeutically challenging due to the direct anatomical relationship to the circulus arteriosus cerebri, the cavernous sinus and cranial nerves. The therapy of choice is microsurgical resection. In many cases a curative approach can be achieved with modern surgical techniques and simultaneously maintaining patient quality of life. Problematic are cases in which resection would be associated with the risk of clinical impairment and in these cases radiotherapy is an important therapeutic option. In cases involving complex invasiveness an interdisciplinary treatment to control local clinical symptoms is favored.

[Sacrocystis hjorti lesions in hunted red deer in Switzerland]. / Erster Nachweis von Sarcocystis hjorti bei der Fleischuntersuchung von Rothirschen in der Schweiz.

In meat samples from 2 hunted red deer (Cervus elaphus) of different origins (region Ilanz, region Filisur) large-scale greenish tissue discolorations with a gelatinous change of fascia were observed and diagnosed as eosinophilic fasciitis. Sarcocystis hjorti, a recently described Sarcocystis species in red deer and moose in Norway, was found as the causing agent. Foxes are regarded as final hosts in the development cycle of this parasite. Factors leading to such cases of eosinophilic fasciitis due to sarcosporidiosis, which is widespread in farm and wild ruminants and is normally inapparent are largely unknown. According to meat inspection directives carcasses with such discolorations have to be declared unfit for human consumption.

Serological diagnosis of echinococcosis: the diagnostic potential of native antigens.

PURPOSE: Human alveolar (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by the metacestode stages of Echinococcus multilocularis and E. granulosus, respectively, lack pathognomonic clinical signs. Diagnosis therefore relies on the results of imaging and serological studies. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of several easy-to-produce crude or partially purified E. granulosus and E. multilocularis metacestode-derived antigens as tools for the serological diagnosis and differential diagnosis of patients suspicious for AE or CE. METHODS: The sera of 51 treatment-naïve AE and 32 CE patients, 98 Swiss blood donors and 38 patients who were initially suspicious for echinococcosis but suffering from various other liver diseases (e.g., liver neoplasia, etc.) were analysed. RESULTS: According to the results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), metacestode-derived antigens of E. granulosus had sensitivities varying from 81 to 97% and >99.9% for the diagnosis of CE and AE, respectively. Antigens derived from E. multilocularis metacestodes had sensitivities ranging from 84 to 91% and >99.9% for the diagnosis of CE and AE, respectively. Specificities ranged from 92 to >99.9%. Post-test probabilities for the differential diagnosis of AE from liver neoplasias, CE from cystic liver lesions, and screening for AE in Switzerland were around 95, 86 and 2.2%, respectively. Cross-reactions with antibodies in sera of patients with other parasitic affections (fasciolosis, schistosomosis, amebosis, cysticercosis, and filarioses) did occur at variable frequencies, but could be eliminated through the use of confirmatory testing. CONCLUSIONS: Different metacestode-derived antigens of E. granulosus and E. multilocularis are valuable, widely accessible, and cost-efficient tools for the serological diagnosis of echinococcosis. However, confirmatory testing is necessary, due to the lack of species specificity and the occurrence of cross-reactions to other helminthic diseases.

Sonographical and serological survey of human cystic echinococcosis and analysis of risk factors associated with seroconversion in rural communities of Kerman, Iran.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, is an endemic zoonosis in Iran particularly in rural regions. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of CE among rural communities in Kerman using ultrasonography (US) and serology. Kerman Province, in southeastern Iran, is the largest province, with 2.9 million inhabitants. A sample of 1140 individuals (200 males and 940 females) was selected by randomized cluster sampling in 2006-2008. After acquiring informed consent for each participant a questionnaire was filled, complete abdominal US in supine position was carried out and 5 ml blood was collected for ELISA test. Two hydatid cases (0.2%) were detected by ultrasound. Serological results showed 7.3% seropositivity, and females (8.3%) were significantly more positive than males (2.1%). There were significant difference between CE seropositivity and sex, age and occupation. Residents of desert regions (Shahdad, Andouhjerd and Golbaf) were 2.5 times more likely to be seropositive than mountainous regions with better socioeconomic status (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.09-5.95). Dog ownership does not appear to be a significant risk factor for CE in the region. Only about 10% of households own dogs, usually only one dog. However, the stray dog population of Kerman province is estimated at 145 000-480 000 (3.5-11.5 times the owned dog population). Infection in humans and animals would appear to come mostly from infected stray dogs. Management of stray dog population could make major progress in control of hydatid disease. In addition, proper washing of vegetables decreased probability of infection by 53% (OR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.26-0.84). The serological study showed that many people, especially women, had been exposed to Echinococcus eggs and had seroconverted but were not infected.

[Cumulation of Ornithonyssus bacoti (tropical rat mite) infestations of pet rodents and their owners in the Canton of Zürich and Graubünden]. / Häufung von Ornithonyssus bacoti (Tropische Rattenmilbe) Infestationen bei Heimnagern und ihren Besitzern in den Kantonen Zürich und Graubünden.

In spring 2009 several cases of infestation with Ornithonyssus bacoti («tropical rat mite¼) in pet rodents have been diagnosed at the Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich. Although adequate animal hosts were present, owners also became victims of mite infestation. The owners presented cutaneous lesions such as pruritic red papules partly with a central vesicle, predominantly disposed in groups. Particularly children with close body contact to their pet rodents were strongly affected. Because the definite diagnosis was usually yielded at a late time-point, the medical treatment remained unsatisfactory in some cases. The mite-infestation of the pets was mostly detected after the owners also became affected. The owners noticed merely non-specific signs such as increased restlessness, itching and shaggy coat on their animals. Efficient healing was achieved only if the parasites were completely eliminated, i.e. also the pets were treated, the cages cleaned and the apartments professionally disinfested. A definite diagnosis of «Infestation with Ornithonyssus bacoti¼ is only possible by means of morphological identification on an isolated mite, which is most likely to be found in the environment of the animals. Pet owners should be informed about the zoonotic potential of O. bacoti.

Epilepsy is not caused by cysticercosis in The Gambia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether epilepsy is caused by Taenia solium cysticercosis in The Gambia. METHODS: Case-control study testing samples collected from 210 people with epilepsy and 420 matched controls by sex and age +/-5 years from 69 different places around the country during the period October 2008-March 2009. All serum samples were subjected to an antigen detection ELISA (Ag-ELISA) and electro-immunotransfer blot (EITB), and the seropositives were further CT-scanned to determine the presence of cysticerci in the brain. RESULTS: Although not significantly different (P = 0.668), circulating Taenia antigen was found by Ag-ELISA in 1.4% (95% CI: 0.3-4.1) of people with epilepsy and in 1.9% (95% CI: 0.8-3.7) of the controls. A non-significant (P = 0.4718) odds ratio of association 0.75 (95% CI: 0.13-3.15) between epilepsy and the presence of Taenia antigens was found. All 630 serum samples turned out seronegative by the EITB test. There were no intracranial cysts or cyst-like structures detected among the nine CT-scanned Ag-ELISA seropositives. CONCLUSION: Epilepsy appears not to be caused by cysticercosis in The Gambia.

Control of bovine fasciolosis in dairy cattle in Switzerland with emphasis on pasture management.

Thirty-two dairy cattle farms with fasciolosis as an established herd problem were visited and divided into groups according to the location of the habitats of the intermediate host of Fasciola hepatica. The farms were revisited 4-5 years later and those that had followed the recommended measures were compared to those that had not. Egg shedding and seroprevalence was significantly reduced in cows on farms complying with the control recommendations but was not reduced on farms that had not complied.