Key facts
- Wet and humid weather conditions are conducive to the development and spread of lungworm in cattle.
- Lungworm is a parasitic roundworm that affects the lungs of cattle, causing respiratory issues.
- Young calves grazing for the first time are most susceptible to infection.
- Symptoms include coughing, increased respiratory rate, and difficulty breathing, especially after exercise.
- Untreated infections can lead to severe lung damage, pneumonia, and reduced milk yield in dairy cows.
- Treatment involves anthelmintics, and prompt action is crucial to limit the spread and impact of the disease.
The recent shift from dry, warm weather to increased rainfall has created an environment favorable for the proliferation of lungworm, a significant parasitic threat to cattle. This parasite thrives in humid conditions, and the splashing effect of rain helps spread infectious larvae from dung onto grass, where they are ingested by grazing animals. Young calves are particularly vulnerable during their first grazing season, and neglected infections can lead to severe respiratory distress, pneumonia, and reduced productivity.