Abattoir reports high rate of liver condemnation through fluke

A vet at Novartis Animal Health, who has been liaising with a leading meat processing firm, said there is evidence of a particularly high incidence of fluke this year.

Novartis Animal Health vet Saul Harvey has been liaising with Dunbia Abattoirs, which reported a 78% condemnation rate on one day in April at its Preston facility.

On that day, the livers of 76 out of 97 cattle had to be condemned because of damage from fasciolosis.

Mr Harvey said that although the figures had yet to be fully analysed, this was one among many indications that there had been a notable rise in the incidence of fluke, and that vets and farmers should be alert to the problem, even at this time of year.

Farmers should be encouraged to get advice from their vet if they have any concern at all. Its a good time of year for faecal egg counts because the fluke will be at an adult stage and shedding eggs. It will give a fairly good indication of the level of fluke challenge, he said.

Another important message to put out is that although this is causing loss to the livestock industry, there is absolutely no risk to human health.

Eblex data has shown that fluke causing up to a kilogram loss in growth per week, can cost the farmer the equivalent of up to 30 per week.

Novartis vet Simon Harris, who is Brand Manager for the companys range of Fasinex anti-fluke products, said there were indications that the fluke problem had grown in recent years, which researchers are connecting with climate change.

Deciding when to treat stock is a difficult question, and farmers should seek advice from a vet or advisor. Adult fluke pass eggs, so faecal egg count testing can be a good indication of infection and the need for treatment. However, immature fluke migrating through the liver can kill stock before reaching the egg shedding stage, meaning precautionary treatment may well be needed, especially in the fluke risk areas, he said.

One of the most important roles for vets in dealing with fluke is communication with farmers to ensure they take the necessary steps for prevention and cure at the right times of the year, said Mr Harvey.

Cattle faeces should be tested around turnout, and the animals treated if necessary, to prevent them shedding eggs onto grazing. Further testing is necessary in October, and any treatment used should be effective against adult, immature fluke and early immature fluke.

About Fasinex

Fasinex is a registered trademark of Novartis AG, Basle, Switzerland. advice on the use of this or alternative medicines must be sought from the medicine prescriber. Use medicines responsibly. Legal category: POM-VPS.

About Novartis Animal Health

Novartis Animal Health is a leader in developing new and better ways to prevent and treat diseases in pets, farm animals and cultivated fish. We focus our energy on developing new medicines that improve the quality of life for companion animals, as well as those that improve the health of livestock and farmed fish as we strive to support high-quality production and welfare.