Changes

Anthelmintic drugs are used in the control of fasciolosis. Not all flukicides are effective against each parasitic developmental stage, and so some may not be suitable for use in an outbreak of acute disease. Triclabendazole, a benzimidazole, is the flukicide with the broadest spectrum of activity against both immature and adult ''[[Fasciola hepatica]]'' and is therefore used to control acute disease. However, triclabendazole-resistant fluke populations are beginning to emerge. Albendazole, closantel, clorsulon and nitroxanyl all have a narrower spectrum of activity, primarily against adult fluke.

Anthelmintic drugs are used in the control of fasciolosis. Not all flukicides are effective against each parasitic developmental stage, and so some may not be suitable for use in an outbreak of acute disease. Triclabendazole, a benzimidazole, is the flukicide with the broadest spectrum of activity against both immature and adult ''[[Fasciola hepatica]]'' and is therefore used to control acute disease. However, triclabendazole-resistant fluke populations are beginning to emerge. Albendazole, closantel, clorsulon and nitroxanyl all have a narrower spectrum of activity, primarily against adult fluke.

There are two objectives to anthelmintic control of fluke in sheep and cattle. The first is to limit shedding of fluke eggs onto snail habitats, whcih is achieved by the use of any adulticidal drug in late winter/early spring. The second aim is to protect animals grazing metacercariae-contaminated pasture against fluke infection, and the approach to this is not so simplistic. Here, the choice of drug, the timing of treatment and dosing interval is dependent on: a) whether acute or chronic disease is the (anticipated) problem; b) the likely intensity of challenge, based on local knowledge or fluke forecasting and c)the peristence of the selected drug. When treating for chronic fasciolosis, it is important to provide good quality nutrition following anthelmintic dosing.

There are two objectives to anthelmintic control of fluke in sheep and cattle. The first is to limit shedding of fluke eggs onto snail habitats, whcih is achieved by the use of any adulticidal drug in late winter/early spring. The second aim is to protect animals grazing metacercariae-contaminated pasture against fluke infection, and the approach to this is not so simplistic. Here, the choice of drug, the timing of treatment and dosing interval is dependent on: a) whether acute or chronic disease is the (anticipated) problem; b) the likely intensity of challenge, based on local knowledge or fluke forecasting and c)the peristence of the selected drug. When treating for chronic fasciolosis it is important to provide good quality nutrition following anthelmintic dosing, and response and need for further treatment can be monitored using faecal egg counts.

Previously, molluscicides have been employed to control fasciolosis and were successful. Hoever, these are now infrequently used. This is in part due to the need for application before the likely impact of fluke can be predicted, potentially creating an uneccessary cost. Molluscides can also be difficult to use effectively since careful application is needed to avoid rapid recolonisation of treated land from any habitat that has been missed.

Previously, molluscicides have been employed to control fasciolosis and were successful. Hoever, these are now infrequently used. This is in part due to the need for application before the likely impact of fluke can be predicted, potentially creating an uneccessary cost. Molluscides can also be difficult to use effectively since careful application is needed to avoid rapid recolonisation of treated land from any habitat that has been missed.

If the  fuke is present  treat with triclabendazole, which is effective against  all stages of Fasciola hepatica.  Treatment should be applied in  September/October and  again in January, if faecal egg count is still  postitive. One may also  treat against adult only stages in May/June,  preventing any future  pasture contamination.  However, do not use the  same treatment in  September/October as used in May/June, as resistance  to drugs is  becoming a real problem within the UK due to overuse. If  it has been a  particularly wet season, it may be necessary to treat  again, as Fasciola  hepatica becomes more prevalent under such  conditions.

The nature of fluke transmission means that is it possible to use environmental strategies to help control. Recognition of potential snail habitats allows areas to be fenced off or drained to limit snail numbers. Alternatively, animals may simply be grazed away from wet or boggy areas during high-risk periods.

Isolation and treatment of all new animals  entering from another farm has also be shown to be effective.  Other  control measures include fencing off wet areas, and increasing soil  drainage.

Finally, a vaccine against fluke in cattle is currently in development. This is a recombinant vaccine which is thought to provide aroung 70% protection by stimulating a range of immune responses not normally seen in chronically infected cattle, for example the Th1 response.

*A recombinant vaccine providing approximately 70% protection for cattle is being developed

*It exerts its  effect by stimulating a range of immune responses not normally seen in chronically infected animals (including TH1-type responses)

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==