Classification:

• Phylum: Platyhelminthes
• Class: Trematoda
• Order: Digenea
• Genus: Fasciola

Comments:

1. 1. Fasciola hepatica is found as an endoparasite in bile ducts of the liver of sheep.
2. 2. Fasciola hepatica is cosmopolitan in distribution throughout sheep- raising areas. In USA and India is endemic.
3. 3. Fasciola hepatica is commonly known as liver fluke.
4. 4. Body is leaf like, Dorso-ventrally flattened measures 25mm to 30mm in length and four to 5mm in breadth.
5. 5. Anterior end is small and conical, while the posterior end is large more rounded in front then behind.
6. 6. An oral sucker is situated epically and a larger highly muscular ventral sucker acetabulum is located a little posterior to oral sucker.
7. 7. Digestive system is simple, fadings is muscular, esophagus short and branched and diverticulated intestine.
8. 8. Between the oral and ventral sucker is a median genital pore through which eggs pass to the exterior.
9. 9. Excretory pore lies at the extreme posterior end of the body.
10. 10. Liver fluke causes a disease known as liver rot.

Source:

1. Practical Zoology Invertebrates by S.S.Lal. 2. A Manual of Practical Zoology Chordates by Dr. P.S. Verma.