Scotland’s farmers are being warned to be on their guard for lungworm after weather conditions that have favoured parasite survival and paved the way for a lengthened autumn grazing period.
According to SRUC Veterinary Services, diagnostic submissions to its disease surveillance centres and feedback from farm animal veterinary surgeons across Scotland have indicated a particularly high number of recent cases of lungworm burden in livestock.
Clinical signs of lungworm parasite range from severe breathing difficulties and death to increased levels of coughing, milk drop and reduced growth rates in grazing cattle.
Some of the outbreaks have involved high numbers of cattle, with a mixture of young first grazing and adult cattle affected.
“Based on previous years we would expect to see more cases in years with good summer weather and grass growth,” said Colin Mason, the manager of SRUC’s Dumfries Veterinary Centre.
“The extended grazing period results in a greater risk of exposure to lungworm larvae on the pasture.
“The wetter weather in August will have favoured parasite survival and spread on the pasture, adding to the risk,” added Mr Mason.
“In addition, immunity to the parasite is variable in many herds in any age of cattle due to a reduced uptake of the vaccine, increased use of wormers in young stock rearing, and potentially more housing of adult cattle with less opportunity to boost immunity.”
SRUC is urging producers to consider the risk of lungworm in their grazing cattle, particularly if weather conditions favour grazing later into the autumn.
They should consult their vet about preventative and treatment options.
In addition, farmers are advised that removing lungworm burdens at, or prior to, housing will be particularly important for autumn pneumonia control programmes along with vaccination this year.