UK risk of liver fluke 'significant'
The Parasite Forecast for January, published by the National Animal Disease Information Service (NADIS) indicates a risk of very high levels of liver fluke disease across Scotland, Wales and Western England, and in fact a significant risk across most of the UK. Climate data also suggests a very high level of risk in Northern Ireland, although no figures are available for a forecast.
Fiona MacGillivray, Veterinary Advisor at Merial Animal Health advises farmers to be particularly vigilant, and consider fluke treatment a part of their farm health plans. She says:
"Consult your vet for advice on which treatment to use if cattle have been grazing high risk pastures"
She recommends at this time that grazing cattle considered to be at risk and not treated should be given a flukicide (such as closantel, clorsulon or nitroxynil) to try to remove fluke in the liver that could be affecting production.
However, she warns against using triclabendazole-based flukicide treatments unless a severe case of the disease is suspected, in order to prevent the development of resistance to the "vitally important drug."
Due to weather conditions in 2012 we can unfortunately expect further problems in 2013. Mrs MacGillivray adds: "The high fluke risk last year will mean pasture contamination with fluke cysts and an increased risk of disease problems in spring and summer. A fluke treatment at grass this year is therefore likely to be even more imperative to both reduce further pasture contamination and also to minimise the impact of fluke disease."
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
