New guide advises farmers on liver fluke
A new guide has been developed to offer farmers 10 top tips for preventing liver fluke disease in cattle, in light of concerns over anthelmintic resistance and evidence to suggest prevalence of infection has risen considerably in recent years.
The guide has been developed by the industry group, Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) with input from the Moredun Research Institute and other partners.
Farmers are urged to identify the risk of fluke on their farms and ensure that they treat it properly, avoiding resistance.
The one-page fact sheet developed by COWS can be viewed and downloaded free of charge and recommends the following 10 steps to farmers:
1. Identify high risk grazing areas of fluke
2. Ask for abattoir feedback on any liver rejections
3. Investigate fluke related losses in sheep
4. Treat your cattle using the most appropriate drug, most suitable for time of year and the age/types of cattle involved
5. Always administer anthelmintics effectively (refer to COWS and SCOPS guidelines)
6. Consider if you need to reduce pasture contamination levels in spring/summer
7. Remember to repeat the treatment if necessary
8. Have an effective control plan for cattle that reduces the risk of drug resistance
9. Institute quarantine measures on all incoming stock
10. Be Prepared
Professor Jacqui Matthews, deputy director of Moredun Research Institute and steering panel member for COWS, commented: “The COWS industry group has produced some excellent information to help farmers prevent production losses in their animals due to liver fluke.
"Moredun is delighted to be working with COWS and its partners and circulate practical guidance for UK cattle farmers. It is imperative though that farmers continue to discuss liver fluke treatment choices with their vet or suitably qualified person (SQP) as part of their specific herd health plan."
Visit www.cattleparasites.org.uk to download the factsheet.
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
