Act fast on lungworm and other parasites
Lungworms are very common in stock around the country, and need to be controlled, to avoid poor animal performance.
When checking stock, signs of coughing and blowing could indicate the presence of the parasite in the lungs. The image of an infected animal is “mouth-blowing”, with the head and neck out-stretched in an attempt to get air in to the lungs. A rapid loss of body condition and weight may also indicate a lungworm burden.
Lungworm should be treated with products such as ivermectin and eprinomectin which provide persistent activity and so prevent re-infection. Don’t delay treating animals, because infected animals will be even more stressed in the current warm weather.
Fly Control
Obviously, during any very warm spell, insects are going to be more common, and will provide more irritation to cattle. If animals become affected by this, you may need to treat stock for external parasites.
