The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) has said that testing for liver fluke helps sheep and cattle farmers deal with rising tide of infections.

SCOPS and Control of Cattle Parasites Sustainably (COWS) groups are continuing to monitor the situation with regard to liver fluke this season.

Speaking on behalf of SCOPS, Lesley Stubbings said: “We are keeping a close watch on what is happening around the country. Reports of disease are increasing across the UK, with patchy instances outside the high risk areas.

“Condemnations in abattoirs have also increased rapidly in the first half of November, which highlights the need for livestock farmers to keep testing and monitoring abattoir feedback.”

With the risk looking higher this year than last, and large variation between farms and even areas on individual farms, this latest SCOPS and COWS update focuses on testing.