EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES ON FASCIOLIASIS IN BENI-SUEF GOVERNORATE.

The present study aimed to determine the preva lence rates of fasciola infestation in animals (cattle& sheep) and man in Beni-Suef Governorate. 240 animals (140 cattle & 100 sheep) and 160 individuals were examined parasitologically for the presence of Fasciola eggs in their facces and stool and serologically by using IHAT. The infestation rates were 32 (22.85%) and 40 (28.57%) out of 140 cattle as diagnosed by faecal examination and IHAT respectively. In sheep the infestation rates. were 27% and 35% by faecal examination and IHAT respectively. Examination of 160 individuals revealed that the overall prevalence rates of fascioliasis were 1.25% and 6.87% by stool analysis and IHAT respectively. There was no significant difference in Fasciola infestation rate be- tween males (6.66%) and females (7.14%). It was clearly that all ages and nearly all occupational groups were susceptible to Fasciola infestation. The findings in this work indicated that the infestation rate of fascioliasis has no sex or age limit but it depends mainly on the feeding habit of the people and their general hygienic measures.