Prevalence of slaughter and liver condemnation due to Fasciola hepática among sheep in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 2000 and 2005

the aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of fasciola hepática among sheep in the state of rio grande do sul, brazil, by reviewing slaughter and liver condemnation data obtained from the federal inspection service, afflliated with the brazilian ministry of agriculture, animal husbandry and supply, for years 2000 to 2005. liver condemnation amounted to 14.57% (18,072/ 124,078) in 2000,10.14% (11,998/118,332) in 2001,10.96% (11,372/103,762) in 2002, 9.96% (10,802/ 108,461) in 2003, 5.42% (6,245/114,596) in 2004, and 2.27% (2,750/121,172) in 2005. the overall prevalence of liver condemnation due to f. hepática corresponded to 8.87% (61.239/690.361). in conclusion, fascioliosis was found to be prevalent among sheep in the state of rio grande do sul and to account for major economic losses to farmers, meat packing plants and to the government.