Farm Animals

Cattle Liver Fluke Seasonal Control

Liver fluke is a significant welfare and production concern in cattle, with disease burden varying by season and habitat. Targeted, evidence-based control reduces impact.

Key Facts

Fasciola hepatica causes acute, subacute, and chronic liver disease in cattle
Wet summers and mild winters increase mud snail populations and disease risk
Strategic treatment in autumn and winter targets recently established flukes
Triclabendazole resistance in fluke is an emerging problem in some areas
Pasture management to reduce snail habitat complements anthelmintic treatment

Welfare Considerations

Acute fasciolosis causes liver haemorrhage and sudden death. Chronic fluke disease causes anaemia, ill thrift, and impaired immune function. Both forms cause significant welfare harm. Targeted treatment informed by risk assessment and anthelmintic monitoring reduces welfare impacts while managing resistance.

What You Can Do

Implement risk-based fluke control informed by disease forecasting services
Monitor anthelmintic resistance through faecal egg count reduction tests
Drain wet areas and fence off high-risk habitats to reduce snail populations