Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Liver Fluke Integrated Management

Liver fluke causes chronic and acute welfare problems in sheep across the UK, requiring integrated management combining treatment, pasture management, and monitoring.

Key Facts

Acute fasciolosis kills sheep rapidly through massive haemorrhage in the liver
Chronic fluke causes poor body condition, bottle jaw, and reduced immune function
Triclabendazole resistance is confirmed in fluke populations on some UK farms
Drainage of wet pastures reduces mud snail habitat essential for fluke transmission
Autumn monitoring using faecal egg counts guides treatment timing and reduces resistance pressure

Welfare Considerations

Liver fluke causes welfare harm ranging from acute fatal disease to chronic debilitation. Integrated management that combines monitoring, strategic treatment, and pasture management reduces suffering while preserving drug efficacy for future welfare protection.

What You Can Do

Implement fluke monitoring through faecal egg counts or liver condemnation data at slaughter
Improve field drainage to reduce fluke transmission risk on susceptible land
Work with your vet to use anthelmintics strategically to minimise resistance development