Dictyocaulus viviparous (lungworm) is a parasitic roundworm that seriously affects beef and dairy production. Losses in growing cattle are estimated to be between £50-£100 per head, and dairy cows can experience a fall in milk production of up to £3 per cow per day.
Animals will present with sudden onset difficulty breathing and even death. The head will be extended with the tongue out, and the animal will make a “husky” coughing noise. Other signs include rapid weight loss and a drop in milk yield. Chronic cases can also occur, with more gradual signs. Diagnosis is best sought through blood testing. Lungworm can be detected in the muck but tends to shed intermittently and won’t show up at all until 25 days post-infection.
Click this link to view a video of lungworm found at postmortem.
Lungworm in cattle is most commonly seen in naive animals who, through lack of previous exposure, have developed no immunity against it. It usually affects autumn-born calves during their first grazing season the following summer or spring-born calves during their second season at grass.
For those of you not currently vaccinating pre-turnout, strategic worming of these vulnerable age groups will prevent them from developing this disease and help maintain good productivity and weight gains. Contact the Farm Team to discuss which products are best suited to tackling lungworm.
Contact the Farm Team for advice on how to best protect your herd.
T: 01608 730085
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