Collaboration and Recognition
We are pleased to see our collaboration with the University of Liverpool and Norbrook featured in the BBSRC Impact Showcase 2025 and acknowledged by Norbrook as they launch a new rapid diagnostic test for liver fluke.
Addressing a Costly Agricultural Parasite
Liver fluke is one of the most common agricultural parasites in cattle and sheep. It is prevalent across more than 70 countries. Left untreated, it can cause anaemia, weight loss, and sudden death in livestock. The UK beef industry alone faces up to GBP 9.5 million in annual losses, and globally the cost is estimated at USD 3.2 billion annually.
Diagnosing liver fluke infections quickly is challenging with traditional lab tests, which can take a week or more.
Rapid, Accurate Testing at the Point of Need
In collaboration with the University of Liverpool, and commercialised in partnership with Norbrook, GADx has helped develop an on-farm rapid lateral flow test for liver fluke infection. This test provides veterinary surgeons and farmers with an easy-to-use kit that delivers accurate results in about 10 minutes.
Each kit contains all the components needed to conduct up to 10 tests without any specialist equipment. Farmers and veterinarians can:
- Test animals as early as two weeks after exposure to the liver fluke parasite
- Target treatments more accurately
- Reduce overtreatment
- Improve health, welfare, and productivity
- Minimise costs and slow the emergence of drug-resistant parasites
Supporting Sustainable Farming
This innovation supports more sustainable agricultural practices. Targeting treatments based on evidence benefits animals, farmers, consumers, and the environment.
As Dr Alison Wakeham, our Head of Agriculture and Animal Health, said:
“Farm testing offers the industry a cost-effective route to early diagnosis and on-the-spot targeted treatment. A positive outcome for the animal, the producer, the processor, and the consumer.”
From Research to Real-World Impact
This project was supported by the BBSRC, the Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board, and several translational funding programmes, ensuring that the research progressed from the laboratory to commercial application. It demonstrates GADx’s commitment to leveraging our expertise built on decades of lateral flow innovation to tackle urgent challenges across agricultural and veterinary sectors.
Find Out More
Discover the BBSRC Impact Showcase feature on this work:
Preventing the consequences of livestock liver fluke infection
Read the full Norbrook launch article:
Norbrook launches groundbreaking diagnostic test for liver fluke
About GADx
At GADx, we develop rapid diagnostics to support sustainable health and agricultural solutions. Our social-enterprise ethos allows us to innovate faster and reduce costs, ensuring vital testing is accessible to those who need it most wherever they are in the world. If you would like to learn more about our work or explore collaboration opportunities, we invite you to get in touch with our team today.
Credits: Photo by Veronica White on Unsplash