The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: JMB on June 19, 2011, 12:41:19 pm
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Hi. We are about to get two Kune Kune's in July.
We already have sheep and lost 2 to liver fluke last year. We have got a dosing routine together now, but liver fluke is common in Central Scotland. I assume pigs can get fluke but can't find out much information.
Happy Hippy (the lovely Karen) told me about the Worm Count pack which I plan to get, but it doesn't say it tests for liver fluke (Fasciolo Hepatica) in pigs, only sheep.
So how do I know if I should dose? And is there a product for pigs that covers liver fluke??? Or is this a stupid question???
Thanks, Joanne xxxx
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Hiya Joanne,
I found this info and here's a link to the whole document http://www.ruma.org.uk/guidelines/anthelmintics/RUMA%20Pig%20Anthelmintics_pigs_Long_2010.pdf (http://www.ruma.org.uk/guidelines/anthelmintics/RUMA%20Pig%20Anthelmintics_pigs_Long_2010.pdf)
"Treatment of Liver Fluke
Liver fluke is not commonly seen in pigs and no licensed medication is
specifically available for the treatment of pigs in the UK. Where fluke is
diagnosed it is therefore necessary to use a flukicide product ‘off-license’
under the cascade rule. Only a veterinary surgeon can make such
recommendation and prescribe. For practical purposes it is preferable to use an
injectable product (rather than a drench).
Options include:
Ivomec Super Injection (Merial Animal Health) – a combination of 1%
ivermectin and 10% clorsolon. This should be given at a dose rate of
1ml/33kg by subcutaneous injection and has the advantage of treating all
worm parasites and mange mites. However the flukicide component is
only effective against mature fluke. As use is off-license, the standard
withdrawal period of 28days would apply; however the licensed
withdrawal period for cattle is 35 days and as such this extended period
should apply in pigs
Trodax 34% (Merial Animal Health) containing nitroynil. Applying the
ruminant dosage of 10mg/kg by subcutaneous injection, treatment of
immature fluke as well as mature forms is possible. Caution should be
exercised in treating pregnant sows. A 60 day meat withdrawal period
should apply.
A range of oral preparations based upon triclabendazole are available for
ruminants and can be used under veterinary direction for treating mature
and immature fluke infestation in pigs. As most products have licensed
withdrawal periods in excess of 28days, these extended withdrawal periods
should be applied.
In all cases it may be necessary to repeat treat four to eight weeks later,
and to remove the pigs from the source of contamination."
Hope that helps a bit ?
Karen x
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Reading both Karen's RUMA link and what I could find on the SAC site, it looks as though those of us whose pigs are on ground on which sheep would get fluke should indeed have a dosing regime for our pigs.
I shall speak to our vet about it - thanks very much for highlighting this issue, Joanne.
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Hi Karen. Thanks for that information. So basically there is no liver fluke medicine for pigs (I was a bit confused because I've seen Ivomec for pigs, but actually the super injection is for liver fluke and that's for cattle). And so it seems that I can't dose to prevent it, like we do for sheep, only get the vet to treat it if it occurs.
Let's hope not! We should have it all under control now. But although it can be rare in other places, and in pigs, it can be more common here. In fact the horse nextdoor had it last year too (and that's unusual) (which is why horses don't have their own specific liver fluke medicine either I think) so I'm wary of it.
Thanks again for your advice and information. You are a fountain of knowledge and a star.
Jo xxxx
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Hi Sally, Just read your reply. Good thinking. I will ask our vet about it.
I'd be really interested in what your vet says too please.
Thanks very much, Joanne