Liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) antigen ELISA

Species: Bovine, ovine

Specimen: Faeces

Container: Pottle

Collection protocol: Standard

Special handling/shipping requirements: Standard

General information about the disease: Liver fluke establish in the bile ducts of ruminant and interfere with liver function. 

General information about when this test is indicated:

 Investigation of production loss, ill thrift, and anaemia in grazing ruminants in fluke risk areas. Fluke risk areas include the North Island, and the north and west of the South Island. 

Comparison with other related tests: More sensitive than egg counts. This test can yield a positive result even outside the fluke’s egg-laying period, and unlike the serum antibody ELISA test, this faecal antigen ELISA will only test positive if flukes are present in the bile duct.