Liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) causes significant welfare and production losses in cattle, particularly in wet western regions of the UK. Integrated management is essential as resistance to triclabendazole develops.
Cattle with chronic liver fluke infection experience sustained welfare degradation - weight loss, weakness, and anaemia progressively worsen over months if untreated. The pain of large fluke burdens damaging the liver parenchyma is significant. Acute fluke disease causes rapid death that may be preceded by distress. Identifying and protecting high-risk pastures, strategic treatment, and monitoring for treatment efficacy are all direct welfare interventions.