Atlantic farms face greater winter fluke risk
A new livestock disease forecast predicts occasional losses nationally, with coastal counties in the west more exposed. Abattoir findings show lower infection levels after unusually dry, warm weather, although northwestern herds remain heavily affected.
Farmers along the Atlantic coast face a greater risk of liver fluke disease this winter, although only occasional losses are forecast nationally, according to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The forecast uses Met Éireann weather data from May to October 2026. An unusually dry, warm year has coincided with lower levels detected in factories than in previous years.
Abattoir checks found liver fluke damage in at least one animal in 33% of herds examined, while 10% had at least one animal with an active infection, down from 13% last year. Signs were reported in 60–80% of herds in Sligo, Donegal, Mayo and Roscommon.
Risk varies between farms: wet, muddy ground supports the snail that carries the parasite. Farmers can check Beef HealthCheck reports on the ICBF website without HerdPlus membership and should consult their vet about signs of illness and treatment.
Cattle are generally treated at housing or shortly afterwards; sheep may need treatment in autumn or earlier where testing or disease history indicates. Follow-up testing may be needed, particularly for out-wintered animals. Rumen fluke is common but rarely causes disease; its presence alone in healthy animals does not warrant treatment.