New guide published ‘Liver fluke control in grazing livestock’


Things to do before or at turnout

Steps you should be taking now to protect your herd

Beef

  • Where there is risk of lungworm infection, based on farm history, buying-in policy etc, consider vaccinating youngstock before turnout. For older stock, do a risk assessment with the vet
  • For second season calves, monitor liver and rumen fluke by faecal egg counting BEFORE turnout. If necessary, treat with an appropriate product to kill adult fluke. Speak to the vet or SQP/RAMA about which product to use
  • If possible, turn out first grazing season cattle, such as dairy x beef calves and autumn-born weaned suckled calves, onto low risk pasture, eg not grazed by cattle last year. If using pasture grazed by youngstock last year, consider carrying out faecal egg counts for gut and lung worms. Only treat when necessary, rather than relying on doses of wormer throughout the season

Dairy

  • Where there is risk of lungworm infection, based on farm history, buying-in policy etc, consider vaccinating youngstock before turnout. For older stock, do a risk assessment with the vet
  • For second season heifers, monitor liver and rumen fluke infection by taking faecal egg counts BEFORE turnout. If necessary, treat with an appropriate product to kill adult liver fluke. Speak to the vet or SQP/RAMA about which product to use
  • Monitor liver and rumen fluke by faecal egg counting before turnout. If necessary, treat with an appropriate product to kill adult fluke. Speak to your vet or animal health advisor about which product to use

Resources

Vet, academic or researcher?

Take a look in Resources for more detailed information on all topics.

22nd November 2022

A new practical guide on how to control liver fluke on beef and sheep farms has been published.

Compiled by leading liver fluke experts, independent sheep consultant Lesley Stubbings, Dr Philp Skuce of the Moredun Research Institute and COWS member Professor Diana Williams of the University of Liverpool, the booklet has been written and produced in collaboration with AHDB, HCC and QMS.

The guide investigates the lifecycle of the intermediate mud-snail host, considers the options to minimise risk at grazing, examines the range of available flukicide treatments, as well as looking at ways to minimise the environmental impacts of using flukicides.

A useful infographic will help farmers assess the risk of their livestock having liver fluke and the actions that need to be taken depending on the perceived risk.

Farmers can access a copy of the guide by clicking here: Liver fluke control in grazing livestock | AHDB

There is also a fascinating podcast with co-author Dr Philip Skuce talking to Dr Bethan John, AHDB Animal Health and Welfare Scientist about all things liver fluke. Listen here:

 AHDB Food & Farming / AHDB Beef & Lamb: Managing and controlling liver fluke this autumn (audioboom.com)