We have been hearing reports of cattle suddenly coughing in recent days.
Lungworm may be the culprit here and coughing caused by lungworm is known as hoose.
But, why would we expect lungworm now specifically?
Up until 10-14 days ago, there had been very little rain across the country for weeks. Rainfall and moisture is crucial for the lungworm lifecycle to complete and for the parasite to spread and infect cattle.
It's likely that in a group of cattle, a number will be carrying the parasite in small numbers. These won't cause symptoms but will still be producing large voumes off eggs, leading to larvae in faeces.
If faeces dries out quickly - which happens in drought conditions - these larvae dehydrate and do not develop/cannot infect our animal.
If dung pads do stay moist, the larvae needs a way off the dung pad and out onto pasture where it can be eaten by cattle.
The principle way this happens is mechanically - i.e. a physical force scatters the tiny larvae onto grass.
While human feet, cattle hooves and machinery are all capable of dispersing lungworm larvae, the principle cause is the force of raindrops hitting the surface of the dung pad.
Given the rain we've had in recent weeks, it's vital that farmers remain vigilant for lungworm symptoms in cattle.
The parasite can lead to a drastic reduction in performance and overall well-being. Often, it can trigger pneumonia in animals - which is a frequent killer.
All classes of wormer - white, yellow and clear - will be effective against lungworm.
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We have been hearing reports of cattle suddenly coughing in recent days.
Lungworm may be the culprit here and coughing caused by lungworm is known as husk.
But, why would we expect lungworm now specifically?
Up until 10-14 days ago, there had been very little rain across the country for weeks. Rainfall and moisture is crucial for the lungworm lifecycle to complete and for the parasite to spread and infect cattle.
It's likely that in a group of cattle, a number will be carrying the parasite in small numbers. These won't cause symptoms but will still be producing large voumes off eggs, leading to larvae in faeces.
If faeces dries out quickly - which happens in drought conditions - these larvae dehydrate and do not develop/cannot infect our animal.
If dung pads do stay moist, the larvae needs a way off the dung pad and out onto pasture where it can be eaten by cattle.
The principle way this happens is mechanically - i.e. a physical force scatters the tiny larvae onto grass.
While human feet, cattle hooves and machinery are all capable of dispersing lungworm larvae, the principle cause is the force of raindrops hitting the surface of the dung pad.
Given the rain we've had in recent weeks, it's vital that farmers remain vigilant for lungworm symptoms in cattle.
The parasite can lead to a drastic reduction in performance and overall well-being. Often, it can trigger pneumonia in animals - which is a frequent killer.
All classes of wormer - white, yellow and clear - will be effective against lungworm.