News

For all editorial enquiries please contact Sara Gregson email: sara@saragregson.co.uk

COWS updates its guide to parasite control

20th January 2020

The Control of Worms Sustainably in cattle group (COWS) has released updated chapters of its technical guide to parasite control, at the Animal Health Distributors’ Association conference in Birmingham last week (Wednesday 15 January 2020). The new sections, covering round worms, lungworm, liver and rumen fluke and ectoparasites such as flies, lice and ticks, provide ... Continued

Cows in a field with a line of trees in the distance

2019 Press Releases

31st December 2019

Treat cattle for liver fluke just after housing – 18th December 2019Sheep and cattle farmers urged to start testing for liver fluke this autumn – 15th October 2019Watch out for surge of headflies from mid-July – 8th July 2019Nematode control in cattle – Page 1Nematode control in cattle – Page 2Test before treating for liver ... Continued

2018 Press Releases

31st December 2018

COWS SCOPS Liver Fluke Warning – 16th October 2018Farmers urged not to get caught out by low fluke risk this winter page 1 – 12th October 2018Farmers urged not to get caught out by low fluke risk this winter page 2 – 12th October 2018COWS SCOPS Liver Fluke warning – 5th September 2018Get on top ... Continued

« Prev
11

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.