Increased fluke threat due to summer rain
Liver fluke is usually a more important cause of economic loss on farms than rumen fluke, and should not be overlooked.
Most animals with rumen fluke do not have associated disease or adverse effects on performance.
However, it is expected that clinical cases of rumen fluke will occur on some farms this season. In recent weeks, the Regional Veterinary Laboratories have reported some fatalities due to rumen fluke in cattle and sheep.
Meanwhile, Norbrook Laboratories veterinary advisor Maura Langan also warns that untreated liver fluke infections can reduce the growth rates of double muscled Belgian Blue cattle by 2.15kg per week.
“The high risk forecast issued by the department is worrying particularly for the east and south east where liver fluke has not really been a concern previously and should really serve as a prompt to all farmers to act now to treat livestock,” said Maura. “The consequences of a liver fluke infestation can be catastrophic to a herd. Liver fluke disease can have a profound affect on the productivity of growing and fattening cattle. Research shows that high levels of fluke infestation in cattle can reduce weight gains by a staggering 28%.
“Generally speaking, when treating for fluke, there are two options. Treat cattle at housing, or house and wait a number of weeks. However, this year most cattle coming in off pasture will have a very heavy burden of fluke, and it is therefore advisable to treat at housing for fluke, and consider a re-treatment later in the housing period,” said Maura.
She advised farmers to speak to their local vet or animal health advisor to ensure that their fluke control programmes are as effective as possible.
