Eradication of the liver fluke in dairy cattle

Authors

Dave Muirson

Keywords

Dairy cattle, Fasciola hepatica, Helminths, Anthelmintics, Western Australia

Disciplines

Biosecurity | Meat Science | Parasitology

First Page Number

167

Last Page Number

170

ISSN

0021-8618

Abstract

In July 1987, a meat inspector found liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) in a cow at an export abattoir at Waroona. This was the first evidence of the liver fluke completing its life cycle in Western Australia. Fortunately, the Department of Agriculture is reasonably confident that a comprehensive drenching programme has eradicated the liver fluke. The establishment of liver fluke in the south-west coastal areas could cause a serious problem for cattle producers and the small number of sheep producers. Stock would need additional drenching, and if it was not carried out effectively production could be lost or stock could die. Once the liver fluke was established over a wide area eradication would be almost impossible.

Recommended Citation

Muirson, Dave (1990) "Eradication of the liver fluke in dairy cattle," Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4: Vol. 31: No. 4, Article 6.
Available at: https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/journal_agriculture4/vol31/iss4/6