Liver fluke risk livestock must be treated urgently
The risk areas are the west, midwest, northwest and southwest, according to the Liver Fluke Advisory Group. Livestock are also at risk in wetland pockets in the rest of the country.
Minister Browne said young cattle should be dosed immediately in risk areas and again after housing. Older cattle only need treatment after housing. Cattle on pasture for the winter should get immediate and regularly repeated treatments. Dairy cows should be treated at drying off.
All bought-in cattle and sheep should be isolated and treated before joining the main herd or flock.
Farmers in low risk areas should consult their vets and submit faecal samples to the local Regional Veterinary Laboratory for diagnosis, before commencing treatments.
In low risk areas, a control programme should be started as soon as possible on farms with a history of liver fluke.
