Don't fluke it

We all know there are chemicals available to treat internal parasites such as liver fluke.
A question worth considering is when to strategically use those chemicals.
Liver fluke is an internal parasite that lives in the bile ducts of cattle, sheep and goats and has a complex life cycle that requires a snail called Lymnea tomentosa to be involved.
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. Flukicides should be used strategically at specific times of year to minimise pasture contamination and to effectively kill the stage of fluke present in stock. But it should be noted that withholding periods apply.
The snail cannot survive frosty conditions, so consideration should be given for giving flukicides following frosts.
It should be remembered that liver fluke control strategies vary by region and even property to property.
Producers should talk to their veterinarian for specific recommendations. This will enable them to put in place an effective and economical fluke control plan for their property.
For further information, please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer.