The number of lungworm infestations reported at regional veterinary labs increased dramatically in May and June, figures obtained from the Department of Agriculture show.

There were 10 reported cases of lungworm in May 2017, up significantly from just two reports in May 2016 and none in May 2015. There were 15 reported cases last month, up from 11 reported in June 2016 and a major rise from just two cited in June 2015.

Athlone regional vet lab reported 11 of the 15 national cases last month. This is up from two reported cases in June 2016 and no reported cases in the same lab in June 2015.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that a majority of the cases seen here involved calves and young weanlings.

In May, most of the recorded cases were seen in Cork reported six incidents of the parasitic disease seen.

Lungworm, also known as hoose, is mainly seen in later summer. Otherwise known as parasitic pneumonia, the condition in cattle is hugely influenced by weather and farm management practices.

Farmers should remain vigilant for signs of lungworm including coughing. Faecal samples may not pick up lungworm larvae so can be unreliable in lungworm diagnosis. In cases of severe infestation, treating with a levaside product may be less stressful on the animal because of the lower kill rate.