January 29, 2024

UK dairy farmers urged to prioritise lungworm vaccination

In response to a notable surge in lungworm (husk) cases in recent years, dairy farmers in the United Kingdom are being strongly advised to vaccinate youngstock and naive cattle before the upcoming 2024 grazing season, Farmers Guide reported.

Dr Kat Baxter-Smith, veterinary adviser with MSD Animal Health, highlighted the concerning increase in lungworm cases, extending beyond young cattle to impact adults. The recent weather conditions have created favourable environments for lungworm larvae to persist in pastures, increasing the risk of contamination.

The changing weather conditions also pose challenges for producers relying on preventative wormers. Extended grazing seasons, now up to two months longer in some cases, contribute to heightened vulnerability among livestock towards the end of the season when preventative wormer protection diminishes.

Dr Baxter-Smith emphasised the impact of long-acting anthelmintics, limiting cattle's ability to build immunity against lungworm due to reduced exposure to larvae. This sets the stage for potential significant lungworm outbreaks when cattle are exposed to contaminated pastures.

Lungworm infestation occurs when cattle consume grass contaminated with larvae, initiating a lifecycle that involves migration to the lungs, development into adults, and the release of eggs. Eggs, once coughed up and swallowed, are excreted as larvae in faeces, contaminating pasture and restarting the cycle.

Dr Baxter-Smith advocates for a more effective management approach through increased vaccination uptake, especially for first-season grazers before turnout. Unlike long acting anthelmintics, vaccination allows cattle to develop immunity to lungworm by using irradiated larvae in the husk vaccine.

-        Farmers Guide