Liver fluke is a widespread parasitic disease of cattle and sheep causing significant welfare harm - climate change is expanding its geographic range and welfare impact.
Liver fluke welfare impact is significant but often underappreciated because chronic disease progresses slowly. Cattle with high fluke burdens experience weight loss, anaemia, and liver failure over months - a prolonged welfare harm that affects quality of life throughout. The expanding geographic range from climate change means fluke is now a welfare challenge in areas previously unaffected. Strategic treatment - timed to fluke biology and using the right flukicide class for the season - combined with pasture management reduces welfare impact effectively.