Liverflukes

Life cycle of liverfluke

Symptoms

· Anemia. The first symptom is a pale color of the skin, snout, nostrils and gums. The flesh is pale.
· Gradual loss of weight.
· Repeated diarrhea.
· Swollen face ("bottle neck").
· Reduced milk production.
· Animal gets tired easily.
· Animal may die because of internal bleeding and anemia.

Cause

Liverflukes are leaf-shaped worms that live in the animal's liver. They are spread by snails that live in the pasture. The liverfluke larvae stick to grasses and are eaten by the animals. The chances of infection are high if snails are common in the area.

Liverflukes

Animals of all ages can suffer from liverflukes. The disease is common in low-lying, waterlogged areas, rivers, streams and stagnant pools. It occurs in all seasons.

Prevention

· Deworm the animals at regular intervals, usually 3-4 times a year. Farmers in the Philippines use this remedy: Grind 8-10 mature nuts of Areca cafechu. Add ½- l liter of water. Give the mixture to the animal as drench in divided doses or part by part for 3 days. Repeat the medication after 3 weeks. (Philippines. 1, 2)

· Because animals may have liverflukes without showing any symptom, deworm all animals of a herd if liverflukes are found in an animal when it is slaughtered.

· Raise ducks to eat the snails.

· Improve the pasture. Cover stagnant pools with soil to prevent snails from breeding.

· Keep animals away from areas with many snails and from infested grasses.

· If the animal's condition does not improve a week after deworming, seek professional help.

Ducks