Name: Lungworm (Dictyocaulus viviparus)
Aliases: Husk, Hoose
Location: Lungworm larvae thrive in warm, damp
conditions on the pasture.
Time: Lungworm can occur between June and November, although it is most commonly seen between July and September i.e. 2-5 months after turn-out.
Crimes: A lungworm outbreak can have significant consequences on:
- Damages Profitablity: - Increased veterinary costs and reduced milk yield will affect the profitability of a herd.
- Long term lung damage: - If not treated quickly enough, lungworm can cause permanent damage to the lungs, leaving the animal prone to secondary infections and affecting their long term productivity.
- Damages the whole herd: - Lungworm can often be seen as just a few coughing animals in the group. This can quickly progress to larger numbers being affected, with a real impact on productivity.