Liver Fluke Control for Cattle

How to control liver fluke in cattle

Liver fluke control is essential to Australian cattle management, especially in wet, marshy regions. There are various control methods available that enable farmers to choose the most suitable approach for their herd and farm management practices. 

What is the best treatment for liver fluke?

Your choice of treatment will depend on factors like herd size, pasture conditions, and the severity of the infestation. A combination of methods that includes treatment rotation may be necessary to avoid resistance and reduce the liver fluke burden.

Oral drenches

Oral drenches are liquid formulations of anthelmintic drugs, such as triclabendazole. They’re administered orally and absorbed through the digestive system to kill parasites in their developmental stages in the liver.

These formulas are typically administered using dosing guns or drenching devices to ensure the correct dosage, which is calculated based on the animal’s weight.

Oral drench benefits

• Highly effective at killing liver flukes at various developmental stages
• Easy to administer, especially in small groups or during routine handling
• Can be used preventatively and for active treatment

Oral drench limitations

• Require accurate dosing, which can be challenging in less-than-ideal drenching conditions
• May need repeat treatments in regions with high fluke burdens 

Injectable drenches

Injectable drenches contain key active ingredients, such as a combination of clorsulon, ivermectin, and/or nitroxyl. They are administered directly into the animal’s bloodstream via subcutaneous injection, usually at the base of the neck or behind the shoulder. The product is then absorbed into the systemic circulation where it targets and kills fluke in the liver.

This control method ensures rapid, efficient drug distribution throughout the animal’s body. It’s typically used when oral drenching is complex, such as in large or hard-to-handle herds. 

Injectable drench benefits

• Quick absorption and distribution
• Suitable for animals that may physically resist oral drenching
• Can be used preventatively and for active treatment

Injectable drench limitations

• Requires proper handling and injection technique
• May involve high labour costs in large herds

Pour-on treatments

Pour-on treatments are a convenient, non-invasive control option that rely on active ingredients such as triclabendazole, moxidectin, and abermectin. They’re applied topically to the animal’s back using a specialised applicator. They absorb into the bloodstream through the skin and target parasites in the liver. Pour-ons are often used as a supplementary treatment when fluke burdens are moderate. 

Pour-on treatment benefits

• Easy to administer, especially in large herds
• No need for physical restraint or handling
• Ideal for pasture-based systems where cattle may be challenging to catch

Pour-on treatment limitations 

• Less effective at controlling heavy infestations compared to other treatment methods
• Some products have limited efficacy against juvenile flukes

Explore our range of liver fluke control products from popular brands now. For additional support selecting the right product, contact the Specialist Sales team.