Lungworm effects weaned calves from spring until late autumn. It can also effect R2s in their second spring in the right circumstances.

They show signs of respiratory distress ( heavy breathing and coughing ). It becomes very evident when you start moving them. It is not uncommon to have the odd death.

Lack of growth rates can be an early sign.

Calves do develop immunity but heavy environmental challenges can cause outbreaks.

The worm has a typical faecal oral transfer with the larvae living on grass.

High pasture burdens are associated with continual young stock grazing.

Diagnosis can be obtained via faecal counts of larvae. Bacterial infection and micoplasma are in the differentials.

Lower burdens by pastures by cross grazing with cows or other species.

Prevent stress at weaning.

Treat with anti inflammatory drugs. Severe cases should receive long acting antibiotics for secondary infections. Drench with Levamisole or mectin based drenches.

Note in severe cases signs can actually get worse post drenching ( for up to a week ). This is as the calf has to deal with expelling dead adult worms.

NOTE toxicity is a real risk with Levamisole drenches so drench to weight.

Drenching should also be part of a preventative program. But don’t routinely drench for lungworm or the calves won’t develop any immunity. Drench for lungworm at weaning and then again in the autumn.

Target poorly performing animals in the meantime remembering lungworm may not be the problem.

Routine drenching won’t allow the calf to develop any immunity and the animal will be at risk later in life. Outbreaks in 2 year olds and first calvers does occur.