Farmers urged to treat sheep for liver fluke
The warning follows analysis of meteorological data by the Research and Applications Division of Met Éireann.
Rainfall at all weather stations was well above average during spring and early summer 2002, according to the data.
Already, acute fluke in sheep has been reported by the Department of Agriculture’s regional veterinary laboratory in Sligo. Based on recommendations from the Liver Fluke Advisory Group, comprising experts from the Central Veterinary Laboratory, Teagasc and Met Éireann, the department is advising farmers to treat sheep immediately.
This treatment must be repeated at 4-5 week intervals if the sheep are to remain at pasture during autumn and winter. All flukicides must be used on veterinary advice and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The department is also advising that young cattle should be dosed immediately and again after housing. Older cattle need only receive treatment after housing.
The timing of treatment after housing depends on the flukicide product being used. Outwintered cattle should be treated now and this treatment should be repeated at regular intervals, according to veterinary advice. Dairy farmers should note that cows, which can be affected badly by liver fluke, cannot be treated during lactation and so should be dosed during the drying-off period.
All bought-in stock should also be treated for liver fluke, the department said.
