Authors
A Juhasz1; E Chapman1; L Cunningham1; B Johnson3; S Jones1; J Quayle3; J Cracknell3; EJ Lacourse2; JR Stothard1; 1 Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK; 2 Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine / UoL, UK; 3 Knowsley Safari, UK Discussion
Infections with the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica can be common in South American camelids, especially in llamas and alpacas, either in natural or conservation settings. Of note, the liver fluke, and certain intermediate host snails, are thought to have been introduced to South America with autochthonous transmission ensuing. Today, whilst South American camelids can be found throughout the world, typically in managed settings, parasitological surveys of such exotic animals are infrequently reported; no more so than in those areas of the UK and Europe where fasciolosis is a common burden in farmed livestock. Given sufficient epidemiological opportunity, fascioliosis could potentially damage imported or naturally reared camelids. Knowsley Safari Park is located near Prescot, Merseyside and is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums and European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. The park has links with various conservation projects across the world and houses a range of semi-captive camelids. A particular enclosure houses 5 vicuñas, with about 5 acres of grazing pasture with a lake edge fringe and marsh. As part of a general coprological and malacological survey for snail-borne diseases within the Knowsley Safari Park ungulates, we confirmed that all vicuña were shedding ova of F. hepatica. Although no Lymnaea (Galba) truncatula was found in this enclosure, this snail was present in other park enclosures. At the time of survey, the vicuñas appeared asymptomatic but closer inspections for fasciolosis will take place as part of a revised disease management plan. The detection of fascioliasis here is of concern for such captive animals could be more vulnerable infection(s) than their wild counterparts. Vicuñas are a particularly important exotic within the park and an attraction for park visitors. In this presentation, we discuss our most up-to-date information. 
