Fascioloides magna Infection in White-Tailed Deer of Southeastern United States

Abstract

SUMMARY Livers of 4,023 white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) from 13 southeastern states were examined for flukes; 514 (12.8%) harbored Fascioloides magna . Other species of liver flukes were not found. Forty-two nidi of infection were found, encompassing 56 counties in 9 states. As many as 125 flukes were recovered from a single deer. Although F magna was widely distributed throughout southeastern United States, most enzootic areas were confined to the coastal plain physiographic province. Since deer serve as reservoirs for F magna infections in domestic livestock, it was concluded that every precaution should be exercised to prevent introduction of liver flukes into areas now free of this helminth.