Fasciola hepatica prevalence and management in Kittitas County, Washington, beef cow-calf herds
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol1994no28p146-149Abstract
Twenty-three beef cow-calf operations in Kittitas County, Washington were surveyed during October, 1993, for Fasciola hepatica and management practices related to its control. Sixteen of the herds were pastured on irrigated valley pastures year-round and 7 herds were grazed on dryland range pastures during the summer months. All the valley pastured herds and 6 of 7 (89%) of the range pastured herds tested positive for fluke eggs. The within-herd prevalence was significantly lower in the range pastured herds compared to the valley pastured herds (19% vs 58%). Fluke control in 1993 (Jan 1 to Oct. 15) was practiced by only two ranches among the 23 surveyed. One ranch used Albendazole the other Clorsulon, but both were Fasciola hepatica egg positive.