The National sheep Association and Janssen Animal Health carried out a survey recently to look at farmers’ attitudes to fluke control. With the fluke threat estimated to reach peak levels in some areas this winter, the results are timely. Some 400 farmers and smallholders owning almost 275,000 sheep responded.

Key Findings • 61% consider fluke to be a major threat on their farm • 86% of all respondents had received or made a diagnosis of fluke in the last 3 years • The majority recognise some of the signs of fluke but only 55 per cent of respondents identified that reduced lambing percentages can occur as a result of infection.

• Disease peaks in autumn but still reported at 70% of the autumn level in spring which could be an early indication of inadequate control programmes.

Choice of Treatments • Overall usage of Flukiver® and Supaverm® (Closantel based products) staying steady (55%) but a slight 1% decline in triclabendazole usage year on year (from 41 to 40%).

• 56% claim they are rotating flukicides – a practice which could help preserve the widest range of treatments in the future by potentially minimising resistance pressure.

• 10% have suspected resistance on their own farm.

Treatment Programmes • Fewer than 20% of farmers are using a strategic programme, although this approach is growing in popularity.

• One-off single month doses are the most popular (42% in 2008 and 36% in 2009), most often given in autumn but with some still given at less appropriate times of the year.

Nigel Underwood of Janssen Animal Health commenting on the survey results said, “Reports of resistance to triclabendazole are a concern but our results show that poor timing of dosing could be another big obstacle. This year with fluke challenge at its highest level, two or more doses may be needed on many farms and year round strategic approaches should be considered for long term control in endemic areas.”