1800 780 317

TEXT 0481 074 770

My AccountUser
0Shopping Cart

1800 780 317
TEXT 0481 074 770
[email protected]

Home » Animal Health » Sheep Products » Sheep Liver Fluke Control
Sheep Liver Fluke Control

Sheep Liver Fluke Control

Liver fluke is an unfortunately common parasite encountered by many producers, so effective control is critical to protect both your flock and your livelihood. If left untreated, liver fluke infestations can lead to weight loss, poor wool quality, and serious health problems.

Best practices including strategic drenching and pasture management can keep fluke in check across all stages (early immature, immature, and mature) guaranteeing the health of your sheep and boosting productivity. Sheep liver fluke control is easier than you may think with the right products from Specialist Sales – discover the right option for you and your flock. 

Filters

What is liver fluke? 

Liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) is a flatworm parasite that affects livestock, predominantly sheep, causing significant health and production issues. 

It thrives in wet, marshy areas populated with freshwater snails, which act as intermediate hosts. As a result, liver fluke is a major concern in areas that receive lots of rainfall, including South East Queensland, eastern New South Wales, Victoria, and parts of Tasmania.

Sheep become affected by liver fluke by grazing on contaminated pastures. Once ingested, fluke cysts develop into immature flukes, migrate to the animal’s liver, and mature into adults, when they begin to cause health complications.

What are the consequences of untreated liver fluke? 

If left untreated, adult liver fluke will damage the liver and bile ducts, leading to weight loss, reduced wool quality, anaemia, and in severe cases, death. This can have a considerable impact on not just the health of your flock, but on your productivity and profitability. 

What are the best products for liver fluke control? 

There are a range of recommended products used to treat liver fluke in sheep, including: 

  • Triclabendazole with selenium (Flukare C Plus Selenium): This oral drench tackles all three stages of liver fluke, including 2-week-old flukes, which can be tricky to eradicate. The addition of selenium combats nutrient deficiencies that are common in fluke-prone areas. Products like Flukare C Plus Selenium are great options for autumn and spring treatments to break the fluke lifecycle before infections grow in warmer weather.
  • Abamectin and closantel combination drenches (Avomec Duel): These active ingredients not only wipe out liver fluke, but they also control other parasites including roundworms, nasal bots, and itch mites. A product like Avomec Duel is ideal for sheep farmers looking for broad-spectrum protection within one easy-to-use formula. 
  • Levamisole hydrochloride and oxyclozanide combination drenches (Nilzan LV): Drenches that combine these active ingredients are a reliable choice for controlling not just liver fluke, but levamisole-susceptible roundworms, too. They can also help with tapeworm segments, presenting a convenient option for routine, broad-spectrum treatments in months where fluke control is critical. 

Tips for drenching sheep

When it comes to sheep drenching, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the most out of your chosen formula: 

    • Timing: Drench in autumn and spring to disrupt the fluke lifecycle, as infections spike in summer and winter. 
  • Resistance management: Rotate drench actives, like triclabendazole, with alternatives to prevent resistance growing amongst your flock. 
  • Good management practices: Pair chemical treatments with grazing management, like fencing off wet areas, to reduce exposure to fluke-carrying snails. 
  • Product guidelines: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to the recommended dosage. Do not under- or overdose to avoid resistance. 

Keep liver fluke under control with the best products on the market, available at Specialist Sales. Shop now, or contact us to discuss your options.