With the UK experiencing a dry summer, the risk of liver fluke infection in cattle is rising sharply as cattle seek the wetter areas and pasture. In addition stormy wet days mean that conditions are ideal for the mud snail (Galba truncatula)—the intermediate host of the liver fluke parasite (Fasciola hepatica)—to thrive in pastures, particularly in poorly drained or marshy areas.
Periods of warm temperatures combined with heavy rainfall create the perfect environment for fluke transmission. This summer’s weather has increased the likelihood of: higher snail populations, prolonged fluke life cycles and increased pasture contamination with infective fluke larvae.
Clinical signs:
Acute Fasciolosis (typically in sheep, but can affect young or naïve cattle with high burdens):
- Occurs 6–8 weeks post-infection
- Caused by massive migration of juvenile flukes through liver tissue
- Clinical signs: Sudden death, lethargy, pale mucous membranes, abdominal pain, reduced appetite
Chronic Fasciolosis (most common form in cattle):
- Flukes localise in the bile ducts, where they feed and cause ongoing inflammation
- Signs may include:
- Subclinical loss of productivity (e.g. reduced daily live weight gain and milk yield)
- Anaemia (due to chronic blood loss into the bile ducts)
- Hypoalbuminaemia, leading to bottle jaw
- Dull coat, poor body condition
- Elevated liver enzymes (e.g., GGT, GLDH) on biochemistry
- Livers may be condemned at slaughter due to fibrosis, cholangitis, or fluke damage
Diagnosis
- Faecal egg counts (though not always reliable in early stages)
- Blood or coproantigen ELISA tests
- Post-mortem liver inspection
- Abattoir feedback on liver rejections can be a useful monitoring too
Control:
- Strategic flukicide treatments based on risk, lifecycle stage, and grazing history- this will be after a WEC to determine whether fluke to present. To prevent or manage resistance, rotate between different flukicide active ingredients (like triclabendazole, closantel, nitroxynil, clorsulon, albendazole, and oxyclozanide). Speak to us today to ensure the correct product.
- Avoid blanket treatment—rotate actives to reduce resistance (e.g., triclabendazole, closantel, oxyclozanide).
- Pasture management – restrict access to snail habitats; consider fencing off wet areas
Even low-level infections can lead to economic losses, especially in finishing or dairy animals. Fluke can be detected using our in house WEC kit, simply drop of fresh samples to the team today and we can process for you.
Given the current climate conditions, now is a critical time to review your fluke control strategy. Speak to the team today to implement a risk-based, targeted plan.
