Liver fluke risk livestock must be treated urgently

FARMERS in liver fluke risk areas should treat sheep and cattle immediately, according to a statement issued by Junior Agriculture Minister John Browne.

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.