F gigantica is similar in shape to F hepatica but is longer (75 mm), with less clearly defined shoulders, and is 12 mm wide. It is found in warmer climates (Asia, Africa) in cattle and buffalo, in which it is responsible for chronic fasciolosis, and in sheep, in which the disease is frequently acute and fatal. The life cycle is similar to that of F hepatica except for species of snail intermediate hosts. The pathology of infection, diagnostic procedures, and control measures are similar to those for F hepatica (see Fluke Infections in Ruminants: Fasciola hepatica in Ruminants).

Last full review/revision March 2012 by Stuart M. Taylor, PhD, BVMS, MRCVS, DECVP