What’s The Truth About Fluke?

Fluke is a disease on the move. Wet, warm summers have led to fluke reproducing faster than ever before and even moving into areas that have not traditionally hosted the parasite, such as arid East Anglia. Janssen Animal Health in association with the National Sheep Association (NSA) is now turning to sheep farmers to find out just how quickly the situation on the ground is changing and how they are currently controlling it.

The company has run previous surveys looking at coccidiosis where farmers consistently reported findings that challenged accepted wisdom about the disease. Janssen Vet Nigel Underwood believes there is no substitute for this grass roots’ feedback, “What matters most in any disease of production animals is how it is actually being experienced on real farms, right now. The effect that disease is having on productivity and livelihoods matters. Using that knowledge scientists and academics can develop better control strategies that can be applied in practical situations. This is a parasite that is adapting very quickly, moving into new areas and developing new strains that show triclabendazole resistance. By the time scientific methods have indicated that there is a widespread problem it may already be too late.”
Janssen is asking as many sheep farmers as possible to fill out a fluke survey. The survey will be distributed in the July/ August issue of the NSA’s Sheep Farmer magazine and farmers can also request a copy of the survey by calling 01494 567555.

As an added incentive, 10 lucky respondents will be drawn out of the hat to win a Phillips drench gun each. The closing date is 30th September, so all entries must be received by that date to qualify for the draw and to have the responses included in the collated results. The findings of the survey and any recommendations coming out of those findings will be circulated with the support of the National Sheep Association to ensure farmers receive the feedback they need, say the company.

Further information is available from Janssen Animal Health, 50-100 Holmers Farm Way, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 4EG Tel 01494 567555 Fax 01494 567556 Email: ahealth@jacgb.jnj.com