Rumen flukes in ruminants

Abstract

<p>Rumen fluke of ruminants is commonly known as Paramphistomes. It has other synonyms like amphistomes, stomach fluke and conical flukes. Paramphistomes are parasites that mostly infect sheep and cattle. The flukes are often found in small numbers but only seriously affect livestock under certain conditions, in heavy infections, and in certain growth stages. Adult flukes in the rumen or reticulum, for instance, are not known to cause clinical disease. On the other hand, severe infections have been known to harm the rumen. Severe illnesses and even death can result from heavy infections of the upper small intestine with immature flukes. The adult parasites are pear-shaped, pink or red, up to 15 mm long generally found in rumen and immature forms are 1–3 mm long and seen in the duodenum.</p&gt