What is a typical clinical sign of giant liver fluke in sheep?

Giant liver fluke, caused by the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica, can result in significant health issues for sheep. A typical clinical sign associated with infection is a distended abdomen, which generally indicates fluid accumulation or organ enlargement due to the effects of the parasite. This distention is often a result of the liver damage that the flukes cause as they migrate through the liver tissue, disrupting normal liver function and leading to various complications, including but not limited to protein loss and ascites (the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity).

Infected sheep often present with various systemic issues stemming from the heavy parasite load, including anemia and weight loss. These symptoms can contribute to a distended abdomen, making this sign indicative of a serious disease state. Ultimately, if left unaddressed, the infection can be fatal, reinforcing the significance of recognizing this clinical sign in affected sheep.

By contrast, other options do not typically present as primary clinical signs of giant liver fluke infection in sheep. For example, a chronic cough is more commonly associated with respiratory issues rather than hepatic fluke infections. Fever and hyperactivity could be seen with a variety of illnesses but are not primary indicators of liver fluke disease specifically. Increased milk production does