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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th October 2017
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High fluke risk forecasted for parts of UK
Farmers are advised to check the fluke forecast for their area.
Greater risk due to high rainfall in summer

Parts of the UK are facing higher risk of liver fluke this autumn, according to the latest parasite forecast from SCOPS.

Met Office reports show rainfall was relatively low over the winter of 2016-17. However, parts of Scotland, Wales, North and South-West England saw higher than normal rainfall in June/July this year.

Rainfall was lower in August but there is a greater risk of fluke in these areas owing to wetter than average weather earlier in the summer.

The NADIS forecast predicts a high risk of fluke infection in western Scotland and South Wales this autumn. Meanwhile there is potential for medium risk in eastern Scotland, North-West England, South-West England and North Wales.

Elsewhere, in the central and eastern regions of England, there is currently thought to be a low risk. However, the forecast may change depending on rainfall in September and October.

Acute fluke in sheep was confirmed in Cheshire last month, while positive results were also reported from lambs in South West Scotland, and from Parasite Waatch farms in South West England and South West Wales.

Farmers are advised to check the fluke forecast for their area and discuss testing or treatment options with their vet, in addition to quarantine protocols for new or returning animals.

Sudden deaths in sheep should be investigated and it is advisable to reduce fluke risk through management where possible. For example, removing sheep or cattle from the wettest fields or housing early.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.