UK levy bodies unite to control liver fluke - AHDB

The manual covers a variety of management systems, fluke risk levels
calendar icon 30 September 2022
clock icon 2 minute read

AHDB

This autumn sees the launch of a new manual to help UK farmers control liver fluke in grazing livestock, in a joint levy-body effort to control what can be a devastating disease, according to a press release from AHDB

Produced by AHDB, QMS and HCC the manual highlights the latest research and advice on control practices to protect livestock from potential animal health and welfare damage posed by liver fluke.

Using five farmer case studies from across Great Britain, the manual covers a variety of management systems and fluke risk levels. With the farmers sharing their fluke history, main challenges and control strategies given the situation in their flock or herd.

The case studies also demonstrate the huge value of working with vets to apply testing and treatment approaches tailored to your farm which bring optimum results.

Key areas covered are:

• On-farm risk assessment to talk through with your vet
• Sustainable use of flukicides to reduce parasite resistance
• Farm management options to reduce fluke risk
• Reducing the impact that flukicides may have on the environment

Animal health and welfare scientist Bethan John explains the benefits this new release can bring your farm and the wider industry. “Now is an ideal time to consider fluke risk on your farm. As the risk of infection to grazing cattle and sheep peaks, evaluating which testing and control measures best suit your situation is key," she said.

“With a viable liver fluke vaccine still yet to be developed and the ongoing issue of anthelmintic resistance, this timely release brings together the latest evidence-based expert guidance for successful disease control," she added.

Heather McCalman, Programme Delivery Co-ordinator at Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) outlined the importance to Welsh producers.

“As there are many parts of Wales that can be high risk for fluke due to unpredictable weather patterns, now is a good time to check the fluke status of the farm for both sheep and cattle," she said. "This booklet includes good information on the use of the appropriate diagnostics tests and follow up management to keep livestock healthy, productive and profitable.”

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