Following a prolonged period of dry weather, the return of rainfall across Ireland and the UK is bringing lungworm risk in grazing cattle back into focus.

Changing pasture conditions following rainfall may increase the risk of lungworm (Dictyocaulus viviparus), particularly in young cattle during their first grazing season.

Recognising lungworm in cattle

Lungworm can cause significant respiratory disease, with early signs often including coughing and increased respiratory effort, particularly when cattle are being moved.

First-season grazing cattle are particularly susceptible because they may not yet have developed protective immunity. However, older cattle can also be affected where immunity is insufficient or has declined.

Pasture history is another important consideration, particularly where fields have previously been grazed by young cattle or animals affected by lungworm.

Increased vigilance as conditions change

With rainfall returning, veterinary teams should encourage farmers to remain alert to respiratory signs in grazing cattle and consider lungworm as a differential diagnosis where coughing develops.

A herd-level assessment should consider age, clinical signs, pasture history, previous lungworm challenge and anthelmintic use.

Explore our pour-on solution for cattle, for use where parasite treatment or control is required as part of an appropriate parasite control programme.

Click here for a recent article on Lungworm by Agriland Risk of lungworm back on the cards as rain falls – Agriland