A STUDY by scientists at Aberystwyth University’s IBERS working with Wales YFC reveals that rumen fluke (Calicophoron daubneyi) is now prevalent on Welsh farms.

Funded by Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and Owen Price Scholarship in conjunction with Wales YFC, the study is published today in the journal Parasitology.

Rumen fluke (Calicophoron daubneyi) on Welsh farms: prevalence, risk factors and observations on co-infection with Fasciola hepatica

The research was undertaken by scientists at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) working in partnership with young farmers in Wales to identify rumen fluke prevalence levels, and associated risk factors across Wales.

Rumen fluke was previously regarded as a rare parasite, but is now an emerging problem in the UK and information on its prevalence in Wales has been very scarce to date.

The similar parasite liver fluke is one of the biggest problems facing the UK livestock industry, estimated to cost £300 million annually.

Its prevalence was also recorded in the study.

Dr Hefin Williams, a lecturer in the agricultural environment at Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol at IBERS steered the Wales rumen and liver fluke project.

Dr Williams said: “Our research results reveal that rumen fluke is now very common in Wales with 61 per cent of surveyed farms across the country testing positive for the parasite.

“Our climate is changing and increased rainfall and temperatures may increase the habitats for the mud snail which is confirmed as the main host for rumen fluke in Wales by the study.”

See this week’s Cambrian News for the full story