Efficacy of triclabendazole against natural infections of Fascioloides magna in wapiti.

Fourteen free-ranging adult wapiti (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) were captured in Banff National Park, Alberta (Canada) and held in captivity near Edmonton. A 24% suspension of triclabendazole at doses of 30 to 100 mg/kg body weight was drenched into the rumen of eight females and four males. Two male wapiti were used as untreated controls. Animals were killed and examined at 4 (n = 3), 6 (n = 4), or 8 (n = 4) wk after treatment. Efficacy was 90% against immature Fascioloides magna collected 4 wk after treatment and 98% against adult flukes collected 4, 6 or 8 wk after treatment. All 32 flukes recovered from control wapiti were active and apparently healthy. Treatment at 50 to 60 mg/kg is recommended against F. magna in wapiti. A protocol for treating infected wapiti is outlined.