EPIZOOTOLOGICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF TREMATODE INFECTIONS IN LANDSCAPE AND CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF THE KURSK REGION

Trematode infections are one of the most significant groups of parasitic diseases for the Kursk Region. This is due to both the climatic and landscape features of the region, and the intensity of agricultural activities. The wide biodiversity specific to the regional flora and fauna creates suitable conditions for stable functioning of life cycles in trematodes that have significant medical and veterinary importance. One of the important features of most trematode infections is the formation of natural foci of diseases attached to habitats of all host groups of the pathogen. A great impact on the formation of such foci is exerted by the river network and the hydrological regime which are mainly favorable for the vital activity of intermediate hosts for trematodes in the Kursk Region. Intensive agricultural activity provides a high abundance of the main hosts for many trematode species (Dicrocoelim lanceatum, Fasciola spp.), and the reservoir characteristics are suitable for the spread of the Opisthorchis invasion. Natural and anthropogenic environmental factors in the region are favorable for the formation of natural foci of dicroceliasis, fascioliasis, opisthorchiasis, and alariasis that are dangerous to humans. Due to drastic climate changes, as well as new features and risks characteristic of border areas, the relevance of a study on epidemiology and epizootology of the region is significantly increasing.