Giant Liver Fluke [Fascioloides magna]
Description
Fascioloides magna, commonly known as the Giant Liver Fluke, is a parasitic worm of the class Trematoda. The adult worm is typically leaf-shaped, and can reach up to 30 mm in length and 12 mm in width. This species is known for its ability to cause fascioloidiasis in various mammals, including deer and cattle. The liver fluke's life cycle involves two hosts. The primary host, where the fluke reaches maturity, is usually a large mammal. The secondary host, an aquatic snail, is where the fluke reproduces.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Flatworms
Platyhelminthes
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Trematoda
Trematoda
|
| Order |
Digenetic Flukes
Digenea
|
| Family |
Fasciolidae
Fasciolidae
|
| Genus |
Giant Liver Fluke
Fasciola
|