A review of our current understanding of parasite survival in silage and stored forages, with a focus on Fasciola hepatica metacercariae

Abstract

Fasciola hepatica, the parasitic liver fluke, is a re-emerging zoonotic infection and an important cause of morbidity and mortality in ruminant livestock worldwide. A significant animal welfare concern, fasciolosis also has a detrimental impact on food security, with the effects of sub-clinical infection on growth rate and milk yield estimated to cost the UK cattle industry £40.4 million annually. It is understood that up to 50% of infective F. hepatica metacercariae may overwinter on pasture and remain viable to infect grazing livestock the following spring. However, the infection risk posed by feeding grass silage to livestock remains largely unknown as the majority of previous studies are outdated in both experimental design and analysis of ensiled metacercariae viability. Anecdotal reports of fasciolosis outbreaks in housed livestock have reignited interest in F. hepatica metacercariae survival during modern ensiling processes and more importantly if they retain viability within stored forages. Consequently, a comprehensive review of the available literature is required in order to identify knowledge gaps and highlight future research opportunities regarding the role of silage in the transmission of F. hepatica.