New Booklet on Liver Fluke

14 November, 2002

A new booklet on Liver Fluke has been produced by Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Written by Dr Dermot O'Brien Senior Veterinary Research Officer with the Department and Gerry Scully Chief Sheep Adviser with Teagasc, the 12 page booklet gives detailed information on the causes, life cycles, symptoms, control and prevention of liver fluke.

It has been produced against the background of very high levels of liver fluke in all livestock in every part of the country this winter, with the exception of the Waterford/Wexford area.

"Meat factories are reporting a liver infection rate of 10% above normal in slaughtered sheep at present. In western counties, up to 70% of lamb livers are being discarded by meat factories," said Gerry Scully.

"There are also reports from veterinary laboratories of sudden deaths in lambs and adult sheep from fluke. This is due to large numbers, often thousands, of the fluke parasite passing through the liver substance", he added.

The weather during last winter, spring and throughout the summer was ideal for the spread of liver fluke. This has led to the high infection levels.

According to the authors, liver fluke costs farmers over €25m annually, in animal deaths and lost production. Sheep, cattle and dairy cows are the main targets but horses, sheep, goats and dogs are also affected. The disease is also found in humans. Wildlife, particularly rabbits and hares, act as reservoirs of disease.

Gerry Scully urged that, if not already done, all stock should be dosed for fluke immediately. All out-wintered sheep will require at least one other treatment. In high infestation areas, out-wintered sheep should be dosed every four – six weeks over the winter period.

The booklet, 'Keep Fluke at Bay' is available from all Teagasc offices. Alternatively, you can download the booklet by clicking here