Page 4 - Parasite Control - Liver Fluke, The Facts

PAGE 4 Liver Fluke - the facts

Bulk Milk Testng

Bulk Milk ELISA Testng may be used as an additonal surveillance tool on dairy farms - but the data needs to
be interpreted carefully in associaton with other diagnostc informaton on farm such as results from faecal
testng and details on liver condemnatons from the farm.

Is Resistance a Problem?

The control of liver fuke in livestock is mainly based on the use of drugs (fukicides), either preventvely/routnely, as
well as in the treatment of individual clinical cases. Table 1 gives a listng of drugs licensed for control of liver fuke in
catle in Ireland.

The inappropriate use or overuse of some fukicides such as triclabendazole has led to the emergence of resistant
strains of F. hepatca, this has been reported in several countries including Ireland, the Netherlands and the U.K.
Therefore, annual rotaton of anthelmintcs, plus post-treatment assessment of efectveness of dosing should form
part of fuke control programmes. Consult with your own veterinary practtoner as to the best strategy for your farm.

Withdrawal Periods

In all cases, milk and milk withdrawal periods must be strictly observed. Be partcularly aware of fukicide
restrictons in milking cows and heifers due to produce milk for human consumpton.