The potential reservoir role of donkeys and horses in zoonotic fascioliasis in Gharbia Governorate, Egypt.

No doubt, fascioliasis tops all the zoonotic helminthes worldwide. In Egypt, human fascioliasis is increasing. The incidence and prevalence of fascioliasis in the Egyptian farm animals are well documented. However, none in Egypt has focused on the potential role of other domestic farm animals. A preliminary coprologic examination of donkeys and horses was done in eight centers of Gharbia governorate. The overall rate of infection in donkeys was 3.03%, in horses was 1.5%, and in mules 0.0%. Horses 2/74 (2.70%) and 1/26 (3.86%) were infected in Zefta and El Mahala El Kobra centers respectively. None of the horses was infected in other six centers. On the other hand, donkeys showed infection rates of 4.6%, 7.6% and 9.09% in the centers of Santa, Zefta and El Mahala El Kobra respectively. So, fascioliasis infected donkeys and horses were in Zefta and El Mahala El Kobra respectively. The latter center was the relatively highly infected one, followed by Zefta and lastly Santa (donkeys only). According to the population density of donkeys and horses in Gharbia governorate, donkeys represent the 41h rank in number. So, donkeys and to a very less extend, horses should be considered within the preventive and control measures of zoonotic fascioliasis.