Lice, Mites & Insect Pests

Cattle can be infected with a range of ectoparasites and nuisance pests, which can negatively affect cattle welfare and cause production losses.

Lice and mites permanently reside on cattle, numbers tending to increase during the housing period due to frequent close contact between cattle and thicker coats offering protection. Infestations cause itching and hair loss, with self-inflicted trauma encouraging secondary bacterial infection.

Ticks are only present on cattle for a short time during blood-feeding. Their bites can cause significant health problems due to hypersensitivities and transmission of protozoan and bacterial diseases.

Exposure to biting and nuisance flies disrupts normal cattle grazing behaviours and reduces feed intake through restless behaviour.

COWS Resources

External Resources

Clinical features of psoroptic mange in cattle in England and Wales (Veterinary Record 7 April 2012)

Things to do at turnout

Steps you should be taking now to protect your herd

Beef

Spring-born suckler calves that are still suckling are not likely to need any treatment for worms. Any larvae on the pasture will be consumed by their mothers which will be mostly immune
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
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
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

Dairy

If possible, turn out first grazing season calves such as replacement heifers, onto low risk pastures, eg pastures 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 frequent doses of wormer throughout the season
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
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
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

Resources

Vet, academic or researcher?

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