Cold weather could help control fluke

Farmers have opportunity this spring to take control of fluke problems that have persisted for several years.

Low temperatures seen this winter could offer some respite by interrupting the parasite cycle, with fluke eggs deposited on pasture only able to survive for a time at low temperatures. Cysts derived from winter snails will also be less because of increased snail mortality this winter.

This means farmers have an opportunity to get on top of fluke problems, says Janssen Animal Health. They say pasture contamination this year is likely to be lower than in previous springs that have followed mild winters and by treating the flock with a spring dose of flukicide, it can be kept low.