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New guide advises farmers on liver fluke
Experts develop 10 top tips for preventing cattle disease

A new guide has been developed to offer farmers 10 top tips for preventing liver fluke disease in cattle, in light of concerns over anthelmintic resistance and evidence to suggest prevalence of infection has risen considerably in recent years.

The guide has been developed by the industry group, Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) with input from the Moredun Research Institute and other partners.

Farmers are urged to identify the risk of fluke on their farms and ensure that they treat it properly, avoiding resistance.

The one-page fact sheet developed by COWS can be viewed and downloaded free of charge and recommends the following 10 steps to farmers:

1.    Identify high risk grazing areas of fluke
2.    Ask for abattoir feedback on any liver rejections
3.    Investigate fluke related losses in sheep
4.    Treat your cattle using the most appropriate drug, most suitable for time of year and the age/types of cattle involved
5.    Always administer anthelmintics effectively (refer to COWS and SCOPS guidelines)
6.    Consider if you need to reduce pasture contamination levels in spring/summer
7.    Remember to repeat the treatment if necessary
8.    Have an effective control plan for cattle that reduces the risk of drug resistance
9.    Institute quarantine measures on all incoming stock
10.  Be Prepared

Professor Jacqui Matthews, deputy director of Moredun Research Institute and steering panel member for COWS, commented: “The COWS industry group has produced some excellent information to help farmers prevent production losses in their animals due to liver fluke.

"Moredun is delighted to be working with COWS and its partners and circulate practical guidance for UK cattle farmers. It is imperative though that farmers continue to discuss liver fluke treatment choices with their vet or suitably qualified person (SQP) as part of their specific herd health plan."

Visit www.cattleparasites.org.uk to download the factsheet.

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."