Triclabendazole-resistant liver fluke: issues and strategies

Triclabendazole is the only flukicide currently available which is effective against young immature liver fluke. As such, it has become an integral part of many farms' control strategies for fasciolosis. Triclabendazole-resistant liver fluke were first reported in Australia in 1995 and are now found around the world, including in the UK. This development necessitates a change in the approach to liver fluke control on many farms if morbidity, mortality and lost production are to be avoided. This article discusses the issues raised by triclabendazole resistance and considers some of the possible strategies to prevent its import onto farms where it is not already present and how to prevent losses owing to fasciolosis when triclabendazole is no longer effective.