Fluke risk higher

19 August 1997

Fluke risk higher

FARMERS are warned not to be caught out by fluke this season which is expected to be a bigger risk than in previous drier years.

Parasitologist Gordon Graham expects more liver fluke cases this season – with above average incidence in traditionally flukey areas in the south-west of the country, south Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

He advises producers dose stock against fluke in these high risk areas, expecially on farms which experienced fluke in the last two years which were drier and generally low risk.

Treatment using drugs against all stages of the parasite, immature and adult, should start in October for sheep, with cattle treated in December.n