A monitoring project in Wales has concluded that liver fluke is having a devastating impact on animal welfare and financial returns. The project managers said fluke, which has thrived thanks to a mild autumn in Wales, is having a marked effect on the sheep industry.

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In September last year, one abattoir near Lampeter reportedly rejected 30 per cent of livers due to fasciolosis damage. Overall, between July and December last year, the condemnation rate was 18.3 per cent, which remains three times higher than at its counterpart facility in Preston.

Lambs which have been out-wintered on grass are exposed to higher levels of fluke, which enjoyed an extended season in 2011, lasting right up until December. Farmers have been urged to remain vigilant and make use of the Welsh Government’s Farming Connect scheme, which offers subsidised advice on animal health planning.

There are thought to be increasing threats to humans in Europe from liver fluke as a result of social trends and farming practices. An increase in organic farming, which uses manures rather than synthetic fertilisers, a reduced awareness of parasites and the growing popularity of raw or lightly cooked foods are thought to increase the risk of infections. Furthermore, controlling the parasites in livestock is proving more difficult as species develop resistance to drugs.

In Northwestern Europe, including Britain, there is concern over the proliferation of a New Zealand Flatworm, related to the fluke, which preys almost exclusively on earthworms; this may have an adverse effect on soil fertility.

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