The Agriculture and Horticulture Improvement Board (AHDB) has launched a brand new guide to assist farmers management liver fluke in grazing livestock, in a joint levy-body effort to regulate the illness.

AHDB, together with Meat Promotion Wales/Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) and High quality Meat Scotland (QMS), produced the guide, which explores the newest analysis and recommendation on management practices in relation to liver fluke.

The guide goals to tell farmers on the potential animal well being and welfare harm posed by the illness.

Utilizing 5 farmer case research from throughout the UK, the guide covers quite a lot of administration methods and fluke rise ranges.

Key areas coated are:

  • On-farm threat evaluation to speak by way of with a vet;
  • Sustainable use of flukicides to cut back parasite resistance;
  • Farm administration choices to cut back fluke threat;
  • Decreasing the influence that flukicides could have on the setting.

Animal well being and welfare scientist, Dr. Bethan John, mentioned: “Now is a perfect time to think about fluke threat in your farm.”

“As the danger of an infection to grazing cattle and sheep peaks, evaluating which testing and management measures finest fit your state of affairs is essential,” she mentioned.

“With a viable liver fluke vaccine nonetheless but to be developed, and the continued problem of anthelmintic resistance, this well timed launch brings collectively the newest evidence-based knowledgeable steering for profitable illness management.”

It’s a welcome addition to our suite of sources which concentrate on sustainable parasite administration.”

Programme supply co-ordinator at HCC, Heather McCalman, mentioned the guide was of significance to Welsh producers.

“As there are numerous elements of Wales that may be excessive threat for fluke resulting from unpredictable climate patterns, now is an efficient time to examine the fluke standing of the farm for each sheep and cattle,” McCalman mentioned.

“This booklet contains good info on the usage of the suitable diagnostics exams and comply with up administration to maintain livestock wholesome, productive and worthwhile.”

The guide is on the market to view on-line on the AHDB web site, or will be bought in a tough copy type from the web site too.