It’s been a challenging year for many farmers on the parasite front, with lungworm proving to be a particular issue.

Correct treatment is very important, as lungworm infections can be serious, both in isolation and also when combined with other diseases such as pneumonia.

There is lots of evidence that shows that a lungworm infestation predisposes the animal to further respiratory infections.

Treatment options

There are a number of treatment options available for youngstock, but for milking cows the options are more limited, as most of the doses available are not licenced for milking cows.

From a youngstock perspective, the key is to give animals exposure, but not over-expose them to the parasite to the extent that they get sick.

This means using the correct dose at the right time. Talk to your vet if you are unsure about what to do.

The other big job at this time of year is vaccinations, both for salmonella in pregnant animals and IBR in younger animals.

In-calf heifers will need two shots of the salmonella vaccine, while cows only need one shot, presuming they have already received their primary course and booster shot.