The interpretation of faecal egg-counts

Summary

Data obtained in five experiments involving 101 cattle infected with sub-clinical fascioliasis are analysed and presented graphically. Details are given of the cumulative percentages of animals positive for the five experiments. It is shown that, with the techniques employed, the percentage of animals found positive in any one group with a single sample technique was dependent on the general level of infection within the group. Multiple sampling is therefore necessary to establish the true extensity of infection for epidemiological studies on the disease. It is suggested that a similar analysis of each technique for obtaining faecal egg-counts for F. hepatica under local conditions will lead to greater precision in their interpretation.