High risk of liver fluke in parts of UK - SCOPS
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Some reported cases related to animals that were treated in September and have become re-infected.
Forecasts suggest there is a high risk of liver fluke infection in parts of Scotland, Wales and Cornwall, following one of the wettest summers on record.
Higher than average rainfall was seen in many parts of the UK between May and October this year, NADIS reports. North, west and central Scotland, west Wales and Cornwall are predicted to be at high risk of fluke. Eastern Scotland and parts of north and south west England are expected to face medium risk, while most of central and eastern England are at low risk.
According to SCOPS, recent reports from the SRUC, APHA and others generally support this forecast. However there are localised variations, meaning it is important that farmers discuss the most appropriate action for their farm with their local vet.
SRUC reports that Dumfries and Ayr had the highest number of cases of acute liver fluke disease in early November, with cases also appearing in north eastern Scotland. APHA reported numerous cases in Wales, including acute liver fluke in sheep in north and mid Wales and sub-acute disease in south Wales. Chronic fluke disease was also reported in mid Wales, Cumbria, Devon and the Bristol area.
Lamb livers from a farm in Leicestershire were condemned and a large Welsh abattoir reported an increase in lamb liver condemnations due to fluke, from 2.8 per cent in October, to over five per cent in November.
Re-infection is a major concern, SCOPS warned. Some reported cases related to animals that were treated in September and have become re-infected. Flukicides do not have any residual activity, so if treated animals are put back on the pasture that is infected, they will become re-infected.
Veterinary surgeons are also urging farmers to ensure clostridial vaccinations are kept up to date. Black disease is a major cause of losses in cattle and sheep that have damaged livers as a result of fluke.
Whilst liver fluke most commonly affects sheep, SCOPS says cattle farmers must also be aware of the risks and discuss testing with their vet.
Product choice is also essential, as although Triclabendazole is the product of choice, there are cases of resistance to this product, so farmers should check their farm’s status. SCOPS also reports many instances of farmers using adulticides in the autumn, meaning immature flukes are not removed.
RCVS Knowledge has welcomed Professor Peter Cockcroft as editor-in-chief for Veterinary Evidence. 
