No history of fluke on the farm

LOWER RISK

Liver fluke requires the presence of a species of mud snail to act as an intermediate host. These snails are found in areas of wet, boggy land and are an essential part of the liver fluke life cycle. If there is no history of disease on your farm, it is likely either these snails are not present on your farm, or cattle and sheep do not have access to areas where they are present. It is possible, however, for both fluke and mud snails to be introduced to farms through bought in infected cattle and introduction of snail habitat, respectively. It is therefore advisable to be vigilant with respect to these points even where fluke is not currently present on your farm.