Hoose upsurge in young calves

Vets in Co Cork have reported an unusual surge in hoose in young calves on high-risk pasture (for example, where calves were kept last year).

Linked to unusual weather patterns, this has caused some losses due to hoose (lungworm infection) in calves of 4-6 months developing into pneumonia.

Irreversible lung damage can also stem from hoose.

Farmers are recommended to carefully inspect calves, have a dosing plan, and to dose animals on high-risk pasture, ensuring they use the correct dose which is effective against the larval form of lungworm.

Lungworm infection commonly causes an intermittent cough, particularly after exercise. However, more serious signs of respiratory distress, including coughing at rest, increased respiratory rate, and open mouth breathing, may be seen in severely affected animals.

Pneumonia is a common secondary complication.

Animals can acquire a dangerous level of infection even after one day of grazing a contaminated pasture.

Deaths from acute hoose can occur before larvae appear in dung samples.

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