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Things to do before or at turnout

Steps you should be taking now to protect your herd

Beef

  • Where there is risk of lungworm infection, based on farm history, buying-in policy etc, consider vaccinating youngstock before turnout. For older stock, do a risk assessment with the vet
  • For second season calves, monitor liver and rumen fluke by faecal egg counting BEFORE turnout. If necessary, treat with an appropriate product to kill adult fluke. Speak to the vet or SQP/RAMA about which product to use
  • If possible, turn out first grazing season cattle, such as dairy x beef calves and autumn-born weaned suckled calves, onto low risk pasture, eg not grazed by cattle last year. If using pasture grazed by youngstock last year, consider carrying out faecal egg counts for gut and lung worms. Only treat when necessary, rather than relying on doses of wormer throughout the season

Dairy

  • Where there is risk of lungworm infection, based on farm history, buying-in policy etc, consider vaccinating youngstock before turnout. For older stock, do a risk assessment with the vet
  • For second season heifers, monitor liver and rumen fluke infection by taking faecal egg counts BEFORE turnout. If necessary, treat with an appropriate product to kill adult liver fluke. Speak to the vet or SQP/RAMA about which product to use
  • Monitor liver and rumen fluke by faecal egg counting before turnout. If necessary, treat with an appropriate product to kill adult fluke. Speak to your vet or animal health advisor about which product to use

Resources

Vet, academic or researcher?

Take a look in Resources for more detailed information on all topics.

Due to the voluntary nature of the COWS initiative our staff team is formed of representatives from our funding bodies and stakeholders. As such, we have no permanent staff who are able to respond to queries about bespoke parasite control plans. If you require advice for parasite control on your farm please contact your local vet or SQP for further information.

Postal address: COWS c/o AHDB, Middlemarch Business Park, Siskin Parkway East, Coventry, CV3 4PE

Email address: info@cattleparasites.org.uk

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