Be alert for lungworm in cattle this autumn

The wet summer and mild temperatures this year have been ideal for lungworm. Outbreaks of lungworm can be severe and difficult to predict, with pasture contamination going from low to high rapidly.

Getting a diagnosis to rule out other causes should be a priority, but treating early, where the vet has a strong suspicion that it is lungworm, is prudent.

Usually, those animals at greatest risk of disease will be calves in their first grazing season, although older animals can still become infected since immunity can decrease with a lack of exposure.

Clinical signs to look out for include:

• Coughing in the group
• Rapid or difficulty breathing, particularly after exercise
• Head extended with tongue sticking out and frothy saliva

As some of these clinical signs are similar to those of bluetongue, it is particularly important this year to seek advice from your vet to ensure the correct diagnosis.

Speak to your vet about the best treatment options. In some cases, they may need to prescribe anti-inflammatories and/or antibiotics as affected animals are at risk of secondary bacterial infections.

Lungworm can be prevented with vaccination and quarantine procedures.

If your livestock are affected by lungworm this year, devising a control plan with your vet before the next grazing season will be invaluable as outbreaks of disease are estimated to cost £50–100 per animal.

Further information