Farmers are being advised to plan treatment of liver fluke early this autumn in order to reduce the spread of the disease.
Liver fluke can spread to both sheep and cattle leading to chronic health problems which can reduce fertility in livestock, lower growth rates and increase susceptibility to other conditions.
Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC)’s animal health planning project, Stoc+, is advising farmers to implement prevention and control measures to reduce the risk of liver fluke causing a major economic loss on cattle and sheep farms.
Dr Rebekah Stuart, Flock and Herd Health Executive at HCC explains: “Prevention and control are as important as chemical treatments to reduce the spread of liver fluke. There are a number of different control measures that can be carried out on a farm if a history of liver fluke is suspected."
“One measure would be to consider the farm’s grazing management; trying to avoid grazing high risk pastures."
“In order to manage the snail habitat, which is the intermediate host of liver fluke, consider fencing wet areas or, if suitable, draining the area to control the first step of the life cycle."
“Lastly, consider monitoring flock or herds for infection by carrying out faecal egg counts, coproantigen tests, or blood serology. Specific information on the risk level across Wales and the UK can be found on the National Animal Disease Information Service (NADIS) website.”
The current summer liver fluke forecast on the NADIS website indicates a moderate risk to farms across Wales, however as we approach the autumn months, the risk could increase.
Stoc+ is a 5-year project as part of the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
Further information about liver fluke including further information on prevention, control and treatment can be found in HCC’s booklet Controlling Liver Fluke on Welsh Farms as well as in the Sheep Health and Herd Health booklets, both available via the HCC website: https://meatpromotion.wales/en/industry-resources/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health-guides/liver-fluke