Norbrook is expanding its sheep flukicide range to promote sustainable control of liver fluke all year round.
Solantel is a new oral drench for the treatment and prevention of chronic and subacute fasciolosis in sheep and lambs. It is effective against adult and late immature fluke, including triclabendazole-resistant fluke. It can also be used to treat Haemonchus contortus.
Steph Small BVSc MRCVS, Veterinary Advisor for Norbrook, says Solantel should be integrated into holistic animal health plans.
“Liver fluke control is a vital component of any animal health plan, which should be composed of management strategies and anthelmintic treatments. In spite of our increased knowledge of liver fluke, the prevalence of this parasite is still on the increase and has spread to become endemic across the UK.”
Ms Small says the potential profit loss per animal as a result of liver fluke could be as high as £3-£5 per ewe; incidence of fluke disease diagnosed post-mortem in cattle and sheep is rising, with annual losses to the industry of £3 million being attributed to liver condemnations.
Solantel kills fluke from 5 weeks of age. The treatment also acts against the inhibited, L4 and adult stages of Haemonchus contortus and Oestrus ovis (the sheep nasal bot fly).
“Solantel contains the anthelmintic closantel and does not need be metabolised by the liver to become active,” says Ms Small. “The molecule is instead absorbed unchanged into the bloodstream and specifically targets blood-feeding parasites, such as liver fluke.”
Leigh Sullivan, Large Animal Product Manager at Norbrook, says the disease can have a significant impact on animal health and welfare, and economic impact for farmers.
“Liver fluke in sheep can lead to weight loss; reduced appetite; anaemia; reduced birth weights; increased barren rates; reduced milk production; increased days to market; liver condemnations and sudden death.”
Solantel is available in three different pack sizes (1L; 2.5L and 5L) and is recommended for use mainly during winter and early spring. Solantel was showcased last week at the Closamectin Kelso Ram Sales, at the Border Union Showground at Springwood Park in the Scottish Borders.
