Time to drench
Chemicals are available to treat internal parasites such as liver fluke, and timing the chemicals right can really enhance their effect.
Liver fluke is an internal parasite that lives in the bile ducts of cattle, sheep and goats and has a complex life cycle involving a snail called Lymnea tomentosa.
The snail can be identified by its characteristic cone shaped shell and the spirals of the shell which rotate in a clockwise direction. The snail occurs in swamps, drains, billabongs and irrigated pastures.
Liver fluke can be treated using chemicals known as flukicides.
For further information Flukicides should be used strategically at specific times of the year to minimise pasture contamination and to most effectively kill the stage of fluke present in the stock.
It should be noted that withholding periods apply.
Good strategies for liver fluke control vary by region and even property to property.
Producers should talk to their veterinarian for specific recommendations for an effective and economical fluke control plan for their property.