Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Liver Fluke Resistance Welfare

Triclabendazole resistance in liver fluke is increasing. Alternative management approaches protect flocks when primary treatments fail.

Key Facts

Fasciola hepatica resistance to triclabendazole has been confirmed in UK flocks
Closantel and nitroxynil remain effective against adult flukes
Oxyclozanide is effective against adult flukes with a different mode of action
Pasture management to avoid wet fluke habitats reduces infection pressure
Snail habitat management (drainage) reduces intermediate host populations

Welfare Considerations

Sheep with liver fluke infections that cannot be controlled due to drug resistance suffer progressive liver damage causing anaemia, weight loss, and death. Resistance management through treatment class rotation, pasture management, and targeted treatment based on monitoring protects flocks when primary drugs are no longer effective.

What You Can Do

Rotate flukicide drug classes to delay resistance development
Implement pasture management to reduce fluke transmission risk
Monitor flock fluke status with coprological testing before treatment
Work with a vet on a fluke control and resistance management strategy