The gold standard for parasite detection is a post-slaughter veterinary inspection, and our farmers who have finished cattle recently have paid close attention to their Animal Health Ireland HealthCheck reports, which score lungs, livers and rumens based on parasite presence/severity. Results here can give clues as to what potential parasites we need to think about in the rest of our animals.

Liver fluke

Faecal egg counts are the most effective tools for detecting parasite in the live animal. However, as a diagnosis tool, the test isn’t rock solid.

In the case of liver fluke, it takes six to eight weeks for the parasite to complete its life cycle and start producing eggs that are detectable in the animal’s dung.

Rumen fluke eggs won’t appear in the dung until 12 weeks after the animal comes in contact with the fluke.

Thankfully, the 27 BETTER farms’ faecal samples showed a relatively clean bill of health. Some of the positive results and actions to be taken are outlined below.

  • Tom Bolger, Carlow – low positive for rumen fluke in stores – treat for rumen fluke (Zanil).
  • Wesley Browne, Monaghan – 350 eggs/g (worms) in weanlings – treatment with wormer (Ivermectin).
  • Cathal Breen, Wexford – 600 eggs/g (worms) in weanlings – treatment with wormer (Ivermectin).
  • Michael McDonald, Kilkenny – low positive for coccidia in stores – veterinary advice to monitor.
  • John Dunne, Offaly - 600 eggs/g (worms) in bucket-reared calves – treatment with wormer (Levamisole).
  • Harry Lalor, Laois – 950 eggs/g (worms) in weanling bulls - treatment with wormer (Ivermectin).
  • Glen McDermot, Sligo – positive for liver fluke in cows treatment with flukicide (Trodax).
  • Martin O’Hare, Louth – 100 eggs/g in weanlings – no action necessary (<200epg).

    • Read more

    All BETTER farm material

    How to take a faecal sample

    Trial detects wormer resistance on Kildare BETTER farm