Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Liver Fluke Integrated Control

Integrated approaches to controlling liver fluke in sheep that protect welfare while reducing reliance on anthelmintic treatments.

Key Facts

Liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) causes significant production losses and welfare impacts
Climate change is expanding fluke risk areas in the UK
Anthelmintic resistance in fluke populations is increasing
Drainage improvement reduces fluke habitat on at-risk pastures
Strategic treatment timing aligned with fluke lifecycle improves control

Welfare Considerations

Liver fluke causes chronic suffering in sheep through liver damage, reduced appetite, and weight loss. Integrated control combining pasture management, drainage, strategic treatment, and regular monitoring provides better long-term welfare outcomes than treatment alone.

What You Can Do

Support farms implementing drainage improvements to reduce fluke habitat
Choose wool and lamb from farms with active fluke monitoring programmes
Advocate for veterinary support funding to help farmers manage fluke sustainably