The unpredictability with the changing climate means the pattern of parasite prevalence can also change, and as a result, monitoring for parasites is more important than ever.

Brian McConnell, an Elanco technical consultant, said that liver fluke can present in an acute, sub-acute or chronic form.

He said: “Affected animals will often present as anaemic, with the potential for death in acute cases. While chronic cases will have condition and production losses, and occasionally a bottle jaw.”

Fluke’s complex life cycle relies on the  mud snail for completion and its stages are categorised as early immature, immature, and adult.

There are several methods of diagnosis, however, choosing the correct test is crucial.

“Options include antibody ELISA, coproantigen ELISA, liver fluke egg counts and post-mortem/abattoir reports,” he said.

He added: “With regards effective treatment, it’s vital we understand which active ingredients target which stages of liver fluke.”

Worms will also present risks to livestock this season, as their risk period is not necessarily determined by the calendar, and moreso dependent on the weather conditions.

He said: “It’s good practice to continue monitoring for burdens.”