No evidence to suggest liver fluke occurs more often on ‘wet’ farms

Liver fluke infections are no more likely to occur on “wet” farms than they are on “dry” farms, according to Teagasc Moorepark research specialist Riona Sayers.

A recent study by Teagasc Moorepark examined 29 farms for fluke using bulk milk analysis. Each farm was characterised as “wet” or “dry” in terms of liver fluke levels, with no evidence to support the general presumption that liver fluke would occur more frequently on boggier farms.

Instead, the absence of a fluke control programme on any farm, wet or dry, was far more likely to lead to unacceptable levels of fluke.

Teagasc unveiled the findings of this study at the Novartis Dairy Conference in Tipperary to launch Fasinex 240, a flukicide developed for use in dairy cows.

Ms Sayers said: “While many farms experience the traditional autumn and winter rise in fluke levels, many other farms record unacceptably high fluke levels all year round, and stricter fluke control levels are required.”

In fact, in the Teagasc study, the herds with the optimal fluke results were those that routinely implemented an effective liver fluke control programme which included annual dosing of animals at housing.

Ms Sayers pointed out that bulk milk testing is best conducted on a quarterly basis and it is important for dairy farmers to check that the test being used by the laboratory yields current liver fluke status and not historical status.

Ms Sayers also advised dairy farmers to note that, since Mar 2010, the products legally available for use in dairy cows and heifers destined to produce milk are active against adult fluke only, leading to the requirement for two doses separated by an appropriate interval.