As we are coming into autumn and slowly approaching the winter months the parasites to look out for are gut worm and lung worm.

Lung worm is a parasitic infestation caused by the worm Dictyocaulus viviparous that targets the respiratory system, and with heavy infestations can be fatal. It can massively impact production losses, in a dairy herd an animal with lung worm can cost £140 through production and condition loss and in a beef herd in can cost £50-100.
In these up coming months keep an extra eye out for 1st season grazing coughing, especially those not vaccinated.

• Slight coughing leading to persistent coughing
• Respiratory problems (abnormal sounds coming from the lungs)
• Rapid body condition loss
• Rapid milk drop in adult cows
• Loss of appetite
• Nasal discharge
• Saliva

Vaccination with Huskvac is the cornerstone to preventing lungworm. It should be accompanied by good grazing rotation and appropriate worming protocols. We are big believers in integrated parasite control management so please give us a call for tailored advice that best suits your own farm’s needs.
Should you choose to use Huskvac, administration is oral and calves need to be turned out onto clean pasture no less than 2 weeks after the second dose.
The vaccine can be given orally to stimulate immunity and need to be turned out on to clean pasture no less than 2 weeks after the vaccine course is completed.Avoid worming for gut worms at the same time as the wormer will irradicate the vaccine form of lungworm, reducing the duration of immunity.

Gut worms are thriving in these wet followed by dry weather conditions. It is important to carry out faecal egg testing of animals along with visual inspections at the moment. Key signs to look for are scour/ lose faeces and condition loss.Tests can be done in house at your practice, and don’t forget we have 50% off on Mondays (Derbyshire) & Wednesdays (Whitchurch). You can either bring samples in or vet techs can collect them.

If you are worried about worms or would just like reassurance that they are not currently impacting your stock please get in touch. We have SQPs and vets who are happy to advice on farm specific plans, appropriate treatments and reduction tests to ensure the chosen products are effective.