Producers are being warned to be vigilant for liver fluke as we head out of the winter and into spring.

According to the latest NADIS parasite report, areas are under high risk include northern and western Scotland, Northern Ireland with occasional concerns from north-western England/north Wales. The rest of the UK remains fairly low-level risk.

In cattle, problems caused by mature liver fluke increased to reach their highest levels from December onwards with cattle showing weight loss and reduced production despite adequate feeding. Dairy cows will also suffer reduced milk yield and lower milk quality, and poorer fertility.

Careful control measures should be put in place based on farm history as well as milk samples from dairy herds and slaughter data from fattening cattle.

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Picture: Chronic liver fluke damage to the liver of a beef animal revealed at the slaughterhouse

In sheep, cases of acute fluke may still occur until January or even later on high risk farms. A prolonged cold spell will significantly reduce the fluke challenge although a treatment in December/January of triclabendazole will remove developing flukes on at risk farms. Lower risk areas can use another flukicide drug with activity against later fluke stages. Key to managing the challenge will be moving sheep to fluke-free ground wherever possible.

The parasite report also warns producers of nematodes in both sheep and cattle.

“November temperatures across UK averaged above 5 °C allowing continuing larval development in some areas,” the report explained.

“Faecal egg count monitoring should continue to assist control of PGE in fattening lambs”

“Around ten fresh faecal samples can be collected from the pasture following gathering sheep in a corner of the field.”

“Cattle youngstock must receive a larvicidal dose for worm control,” the report continued.

Whilst adult cattle do not need a housing dose for worm control, the report does recommend a group 3 anthelmintics dose for housing due to larvicidal activity.

“After anthelmintic treatment, out-wintered store cattle should not be left on contaminated grazing,” it concluded.