FLUKE infection in cattle herds and sheep flocks is predicted to be prevalent in the west and north-west of Ireland this winter, according to the latest Dept. of Agriculture data.

This year’s winter fluke forecast is based on meteorological data gathered between May and October of this year by Met Éireann and is based in what is known as the Ollerenshaw Summer [Fluke] Index 2022.

Liver fluke, or Fasciola Hepatica infection, will again be higher in the west and north-west region due to the wetter conditions that prevailed as compared to the south and east of the country.

As well as Met Éireann, the Dept. of Agriculture, UCD, Teagasc and Animal Health Ireland, collaborate to advise farmers of the predicted liver fluke risk over the winter period.

“The lower values of the index [south and east] are due to the drier conditions in June, July and August.

“May was dry in the south, whereas it was wet in the northwest as reflected in the higher values [infestation], while June was wetter in the west than the rest of the country, resulting in the overall index values being higher in the west and northwest,” the Dept. report points out.

The Beef HealthCheck programme, run in partnership with Meat Industry Ireland, collects and reports liver fluke information in cattle at slaughter from participating meat factories nationwide.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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