Liver Fluke

A warning that liver fluke could be a problem

Liver Fluke
As forecast earlier in the year, liver fluke disease may remain a threat, particularly in the north and west of the UK, with possible deaths due to acute and sub-acute disease continuing into the winter, and ill thrift and poor production due to chronic disease in the winter/spring and later. Localised areas that have remained wet for long periods over the summer and autumn will present a threat to livestock in any part of the country.

Sub-acute fluke disease is often seen at this time of year, with a mixture of adult and immature fluke in the liver causing condition loss, dullness, anaemia, abdominal pain and sometimes death. The first sign of a fluke problem on a farm might be seen in January when poor scanning results are obtained.

Farms with a history of fluke or those at risk from infection (ideally with evidence of fluke infection from monitoring via post mortem examinations, blood liver enzyme levels and fluke eggs) should consider a winter (December/January) dose to remove adult and immature fluke. Sheep in high-risk areas may remain exposed to potentially risky pastures through the winter and consideration should be given to administering a repeat dose to these animals 4-6 weeks later. www.nadis.org.uk