Which species is most commonly affected by the giant liver fluke?

The giant liver fluke, scientifically known as Fasciola hepatica, primarily affects ruminants, which include animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. These species are particularly susceptible because of their grazing habits, often leading them to ingest the larvae of the fluke present in contaminated water or pasture.

Ruminants serve as the main host for the adult stage of the giant liver fluke, where the parasites reside in the liver and bile ducts, causing significant health issues such as hepatic damage, weight loss, and potentially leading to liver disease. While dogs and other species can occasionally be affected, ruminants are the most commonly identified hosts for this particular parasite due to their ecological and anatomical factors that make them ideal for the life cycle of the giant liver fluke.

In contrast, pigs and horses do not typically harbor the giant liver fluke as commonly as ruminants, limiting their classification as major hosts. Therefore, identifying ruminants as the most commonly affected species aligns with the life cycle and host preferences of the giant liver fluke.