This autumn sees the launch of a new manual to help farmers control liver fluke in grazing livestock, in a joint levy-body effort to control what can be a devastating disease.

Produced by AHDB, QMS and HCC the manual highlights the latest research and advice on control practices to protect livestock from potential animal health and welfare damage posed by liver fluke.

Using five farmer case studies from across Great Britain, the manual covers a variety of management systems and fluke risk levels. With the farmers sharing their fluke history, main challenges and control strategies given the situation in their flock or herd. 

The case studies also demonstrate the huge value of working with vets to apply testing and treatment approaches tailored to your farm which bring optimum results. 

Key areas covered are:
• On-farm risk assessment to talk through with your vet
• Sustainable use of flukicides to reduce parasite resistance
• Farm management options to reduce fluke risk
• Reducing the impact that flukicides may have on the environment

Animal Health and Welfare Scientist, Dr Bethan John explains the benefits this new release can bring your farm and the wider industry. "Now is an ideal time to consider fluke risk on your farm. As the risk of infection to grazing cattle and sheep peaks, evaluating which testing and control measures best suit your situation is key.

"With a viable liver fluke vaccine still yet to be developed and the ongoing issue of anthelmintic resistance, this timely release brings together the latest evidence-based expert guidance for successful disease control.

"It is a welcome addition to our suite of resources which focus on sustainable parasite management. We wish to thank Lesley Stubbings, Dr Philip Skuce and Professor Diana Williams for their valuable contributions."

Heather McCalman, Programme Delivery Co-ordinator at Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) outlines the importance to Welsh producers. "As there are many parts of Wales that can be high risk for fluke due to unpredictable weather patterns, now is a good time to check the fluke status of the farm for both sheep and cattle. This booklet includes good information on the use of the appropriate diagnostics tests and follow up management to keep livestock healthy, productive and profitable."

For more information, a monthly liver fluke forecast is available through NADIS, whilst the SCOPS and COWS websites cover species specific advice.

The manual is available to view online on the AHDB website and available to order in hard copy, visit  https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/liver-fluke-control-in-grazing-livestock.