Data confirms liver fluke is on the increase

MSD Animal Health have announced that the flukicide drench Zanil® has been reintroduced in the UK after independent data confirms that liver fluke is on the increase in cattle and sheep.

Matt Haslam, veterinary advisor for the company, said: "The fluke problem is long-standing, but is being exacerbated by recent wet summer and autumn periods that have created ideal conditions for this parasite to proliferate and infect grazing livestock."

Importantly for dairy farmers, Zanil® is licensed for use in young, pregnant and lactating animals, and has a 72-hour milk withhold period where milk is produced for human consumption.

Mr Haslam added: "Chronic liver fluke causes serious economic losses for livestock farmers. In dairy herds, for example, there will be a negative impact on fertility and milk production where cows are affected.

"It is important that farmers have access to the best treatment options given the size of the threat and the scale of potential losses. Zanil is used widely and effectively in Ireland in the control of fluke problems, and there is no known resistance to the active ingredient oxyclozanide."

Zanil® is a POM-VPS oral drench and is available from animal health suppliers and veterinary practices. For sheep, the dosage rate is 4.5ml per 10kg bodyweight, up to a maximum of 20ml, and 3ml per 10kg bodyweight in cattle, up to a maximum of 105ml.

For further information, see the latest Defra reports on emerging threats in sheep and cattle.

Images courtesy of MSD Animal Health