An analysis of variations in the age structure of Fasciola hepatica populations in sheep

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Abstract
SUMMARY: The processes which govern the age structure of Fasciola hepatica populations in sheep were investigated by means of a simple mathematical model. The mortality of the metacercariae on the pasture was shown to be a factor of major importance. The mortality rate depends on the micro-climate that prevails at the pasture surface, and thus the age distribution curve of a population of flukes is also determined in part by the weather. This has important implications for the chemotherapy of fascioliasis: flukicides are not equally effective over the whole range of age-classes of parasite and so the factors which govern the age distribution curve of the parasite population within individual hosts ultimately determine the efficiency of chemotherapy.