Guidelines on the Disease during the Conversion Period

• During the conversion period, regular faecal samples should be taken from the cattle to determine the liver fluke burden on the farm. Work out a plan with the veterinarian to reduce the dependency on anthelmintics when fully organic as part of the overall health plan.
• Beef cattle can be treated when housed during the winter period. The number of treatments depends on the fluke burden.
• Dairy cows calving in spring can be treated during the dry period in the winter. Young replacement stock can also be treated when housed.
• Dairy cows calving at other times of the year may have to be treated on an individual basis, following faecal egg counting. Milk may be lost in the process due to the prolonged withdrawal period. In areas with a high prevalence, consideration should be given to synchronising the calving pattern during the conversion period such that the animals are not lactating during the period of maximum transmission in the autumn when treatment can be given.