High levels of liver fluke detected
This was revealed yesterday when it was announced that a new booklet on liver fluke has been produced by Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture and Food.
It was written by Dr Dermot O’Brien Senior Veterinary Research Officer with the Department and Gerry Scully Chief Sheep Adviser with Teagasc.
The 12-page booklet gives detailed information on the causes, life cycles, symptoms, control and prevention of liver fluke.
Mr Scully said meat factories are reporting a liver infection rate of 10% above normal in slaughtered sheep at present. In western counties, up to 70% of lamb livers are being discarded by meat factories.
“There are also reports from veterinary laboratories of sudden deaths in lambs and adult sheep from fluke. This is due to large numbers, often thousands, of the fluke parasite passing through the liver substance,” he said.
The weather during last winter, spring and throughout the summer was ideal for the spread of liver fluke. This has led to the high infection levels.
According to the authors, liver fluke costs farmers over 25m annually, in animal deaths and lost production. Sheep, cattle and dairy cows are the main targets but horses, sheep, goats and dogs are also affected.
The disease is also found in humans. Wildlife, particularly rabbits and hares, act as reservoirs of disease.
The booklet, ‘Keep Fluke at Bay’ is available from all Teagasc offices. It is also available on the Teagasc website at www.teagasc.ie and on the Department of Agriculture and Food website at www.irlgov.ie/daff
