The innovative test kit enables the rapid diagnosis of Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) in cattle and sheep
Norbrook, a leader in animal health for over 50 years, is proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking diagnostic test for liver fluke. Norbrook in cooperation with The University of Liverpool and Global Access Diagnostics (GADx) have developed this innovative tool to address one of the most common agricultural parasite infections in cattle and sheep. Prevalent in over 70 countries worldwide, liver fluke is estimated to cause over US 3.2 billion dollars in livestock production losses. This easy-to-use kit will empower farmers to take control of their livestock health and pasture management. Each antibody test kit contains enough components to conduct 10 separate liver fluke tests.
This innovative test will provide veterinary surgeons and farmers with a range of benefits:
- Convenience: The test kit is portable, easy to transport and designed to be carried out on-farm
- Speed: Test results will be available in 10 minutes. Current liver fluke diagnostic tests require laboratory analysis
- Easy-to-use: No specialised training is required; simply follow the in-pack or online instructions
- Early Identification: The rapid, accurate results will provide veterinary surgeons and farmers with evidence of infection from as early as two weeks
- Targeted treatment: Early fluke detection will allow veterinary surgeons and farmers to make better informed decisions around appropriate treatment options
Dr Andrew Winder, Global Growth Initiative Lead at Norbrook stated: “Norbrook has been supporting farmers for over 50 years with innovative solutions to their everyday challenges. We are excited to be able to package new scientific technology in a format that everyone is familiar with, giving control to farmers to make informed decisions about their livestock and pasture.”
Dan Griffiths, Livestock National Business Manager at Norbrook GB commented: “This is exciting new technology that will enable our veterinary customers to better support their farming clients in Liver fluke diagnosis and management. A rapid, accurate and easy to use diagnostic test complements our existing fluke treatment products and supports a responsible approach to their use.”
Dr Alison Wakeham, Head of Agriculture and Animal Health at GADx commented: “In fluke endemic areas, industry practice is often to treat in the absence of any diagnosis. As seen with antibiotics, an overreliance on flukicides gives rise to anthelmintic resistance and poses a significant threat and constraint to livestock production. Farm testing offers the industry a cost-effective route to early diagnosis and an on-the-spot targeted treatment. A positive outcome for the animal, the producer, the processor and the consumer.”
Visit the Liver Fluke Rapid Antibody Test page here.
About Norbrook
Established in Northern Ireland in 1969, Norbrook is a top 20 global manufacturer of veterinary pharmaceuticals and one of the world’s largest manufacturers of veterinary sterile injectables. Norbrook products are sold in over 120 countries worldwide with global sales approaching £250 annually. A family-owned business, Norbrook continues to build for the long term and in the last number of years has invested over £120M in capital expenditure to enhance its infrastructure and operational efficiencies.