Liver fluke in horses: prevalence and management challenges

The liver fluke *Fasciola hepatica* infects ruminants and wild herbivores, causing economic losses through liver damage. Though less common in horses, a 2022 Irish study found 10% prevalence in equids at slaughter, indicating underdiagnosis. The parasite’s life cycle involves aquatic snails (*Limnaea*) and requires temperatures above 10°C and moist environments. Horses ingest infective larvae from grazing, leading to migration to bile ducts. Clinical signs like weight loss and diarrhea are nonspecific and often missed. Diagnosis via coproscopy is only 60–70% accurate; serological tests for horses are not yet available. Risk factors include humid climates, mixed grazing, and proximity to water. Prevention focuses on restricting access to wet areas. Treatment with triclabendazole or closantel is possible but complicated by emerging resistance. Climate change may be driving increased ruminant infestations, while equine cases remain underreported. A 2021 French study detected *F. hepatica* in 8% of horses across 13 groups, highlighting regional variation. Improved surveillance and equine-specific management are urgently needed.