Seroprevalence of fasciolosis in Hokkaido sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) from Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan revealed by ELISA using recombinant cathepsin L1

Fasciolosis, a zoonotic disease caused by liver flukes of the genus Fasciola, has been reported in Hokkaido (Yezo) sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan; however, the actual seroprevalence in the animal has not been adequately evaluated. The objective of the present study was to analyze the seroprevalence of the disease among Hokkaido sika deer. Recombinant cathepsin L1 (rCatL1) was used as an antigen for an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect antibodies against Fasciola flukes. The sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA were 84.6% and 100%, respectively. The average seroprevalence in 1109 Hokkaido sika deer from 20 locations in Hokkaido Prefecture was 43.9%. Mature deer showed higher seroprevalence than younger individuals; however, even younger animals may act as a reservoir for the disease. Monitoring infection levels in the Hokkaido sika deer population is important not only for the livestock industry, but also for preventing human fasciolosis.