Lungworm

Historically, lungworm infection (husk) has been most commonly associated with youngstock but now almost 75% of reported cases are in adult animals which can have a very significant impact on the profitability of a herd. Husk is one disease where an animal's natural immunity must be allowed to develop as it matures. Sometimes, overuse of wormers in the first grazing season, coupled with poor grazing management and extended dry seasons can mean that an adult animal that has seemingly been protected for several seasons suddenly becomes naive and likely to get husk infection.

Vaccination remains the most effective method of controlling husk. On farms with a previous history of husk, vaccination with Bovilis Huskvac should be a priority. This is a live vaccine made from irradiated larvae; a process which makes them incapable of causing disease. The vaccine produces a very good immune response against disease but it does not prevent all worms arising from natural infections completing their life cycle. This means that on a pasture grazed by vaccinated cattle, there may be a very low level of larvae on the pasture. If not all youngstock are vaccinated, larvae numbers can increase very rapidly, particularly if the weather is wet and warm, which will lead to an outbreak of disease in any unvaccinated animals.

Contact one of the vets to discuss protecting your herd with Huskvac.

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