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Liver fluke cases increase dramatically
Diagnoses of fluke have soared since October

The number of reported liver fluke cases soared in the last quarter of 2012, compared to the same period in 2011, according to Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) figures.

Between October and December 2011, AHVLA said there was seven diagnosed cases of liver fluke, a figure that increased to 69 over the same three-month period last year. Experts say these high figures are down to mild, wet weather.

"The wet summer followed by the mild winter has provided perfect breeding conditions for fluke," said Neil Roberts, partner at a vet group in Yorkshire.

"One of the problems farmers have is there is a variety of fluke treatments and some will only kill the adult flukes. They also all have a 56-day meat withdrawal on them, so this is a problem for those fattening lambs."

Mr Roberts added that farmers should not rely on triclabendazole products all to time, to avoid developing resistance.

The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group has urged farmers to continue to monitor their flocks for symptoms of fluke infection, which include an unexpected drop in fertility levels or growth rates, pale gums and bottlejaw.

The parasites fluke metacercarieae thrive in mild wet conditions, and are only killed when exposed to temperatures below -18°C for several days.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.