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Liver Fluke in Cattle

Liver fluke can cause significant issues in both sheep and cattle. The risk varies throughout the year, meaning different approaches are needed to manage the challenges.

Cattle Liver Fluke Table

Find out more about what liver fluke is, why it is such a problem at different times of the year, and how to manage fluke on your farm:

  • What is liver fluke and why is it such a problem?

  • Why does the fluke risk vary?

  • When to treat for liver fluke?

  • When to treat again?

  • Cattle housing - when to treat and with which product?

  • How to test for liver fluke?

  • Flukicide resistance - what is it, how can it be found on farm, and what to do about it?


    What is rumen fluke?

    Rumen fluke (paramphistome) is a different parasite to liver fluke. Generally, mature rumen fluke do not cause clinical disease but there have been reports of disease caused by large numbers of immature rumen fluke in the small intestine, typically in youngstock. In some cases, this has resulted in ill thrift and profuse scour, while in severe cases it has been fatal in both sheep and cattle.

    The clinical importance of rumen fluke is under debate. Diagnosis of rumen fluke is through faecal egg counts in dung samples or post mortem. It is important to differentiate between liver fluke and rumen fluke eggs as only a small number of flukicides kill rumen fluke.

    • Sheep Liver Fluke Image

    Find Out More About Sheep Liver Fluke

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    Combinex™ Oral Suspension for cattle contains 7.5% w/v levamisole hydrochloride and 12% w/v triclabendazole. Fasinex™ 240 Oral Suspension for cattle contains 24% w/v triclabendazole. Legal category: POM-VPS Information regarding the side effects, precautions, warnings and contra-indications can be found in product packaging and leaflets; further information can also be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics. Advice should be sought from the prescriber prior to use. Use Medicines Responsibly (www.noah.co.uk/responsible)
    Elanco™, Combinex™, Fasinex™ and the diagonal bar are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. PM-UK-20-0673