Predictions of a high risk of liver fluke disease in Cornwall, Wales and Scotland this winter have been borne out by incidences recorded over recent months.

Reports collated by SCOPS and COWS record that abortions in a flock near Bristol were associated with the presence of liver fluke disease.

As late winter passes, more cases of chronic and sub–acute liver fluke are being seen as the parasite matures in the host.

Given the risk to both sheep and cattle, SCOPS and COWS have issued advice to farmers.

It is important that farmers talk to their vet, SQP or advisor to find out what is happening in their area, and decide what tests and risk assessment they need to carry out to investigate the situation on their own farm.

Reports of disease continue mainly from high-risk areas, but farmers should seek local information, assess risk and use tests, abattoir feedback and post mortems to inform on-farm control measures.

Re?infection (when treated animals are put back on to contaminated areas) is still a concern. Farmers need to remember that fluckicides do not have any persistent activity and they should consider chronic / sub-acute disease as fluke mature and damage the liver.

Poor pregnancy scanning results in sheep may be the first indication that there is a liver fluke problem on the farm and may be limited to only one group of sheep depending on the group’s autumn/winter grazing history.

Clostridial vaccinations should be kept up-to-date. Black disease is a major cause of losses in cattle (and sheep) that have livers damaged by liver fluke.

While most cases of disease are associated with sheep, cases of liver fluke are being reported in cattle (11% of cattle submissions to SRUC have been associated with liver fluke disease this winter). It is essential that cattle farmers are aware of the risks and discuss sampling/testing/flukicide options for different stock with their vet to avoid disease.

Product choice is critical. This latter part of the liver fluke season is the time to consider taking pressure off triclabendazole products and swap to alternatives. These include closantel, nitroxynil and products that kill adult fluke, such as oxyclozanide, albendazole (and clorsulon for cattle). Livestock owners should note restrictions on the use of flukicides in milking cows. The SCOPS website and COWS website have specific pages providing information on suitable products to use.