Lungworm
August 28, 2024
Have you thought about lung worm yet this year?
We have recently identified an increase in lungworm cases over the last few weeks. Outbreaks of lungworm (Dictyocaulus viviparus) are unpredictable, however disease is most commonly observed in the late Summer and early Autumn. Young cattle in their first grazing season are at the highest risk of disease, although older cattle can also become infected.
Lungworm causes infection in the respiratory tract and is typically characterised by a “husk” cough, although other clinical signs also include:
🪱 Rapid / difficulty breathing
🪱 Drooling
🪱 Loss of condition
🪱 Standing with an outstretched neck
🪱 Fever – in cases of secondary bacterial infection
🪱 Sudden death – in severe cases
Prevention and control include:
🪱 Vaccination prior to turnout provides short-term immunity until longer lasting cover develops through exposure at grazing
🪱 Avoid grazing young cattle in known contaminated pastures
🪱 Monitor at risk / suspect groups via faecal samples
🪱 Anthelmintic treatment in the face of an outbreak
If you are worried about lungworm, give the practice a call on 01373 451115 for more information.