Lungworm in Cattle

Parasitic bronchitis (lungworm, husk) is caused by Dictyocaulus viviparus . Calves at pasture under a year of age are most at risk, but heavy infections in naive animals of any age will produce signs. Infections are more prevalent in wetter areas.

Infection with small numbers of Dictyocaulus viviparous causes mild clinical signs. The aim in lungworm control is to prevent the manifestation of clinical disease and subsequent economic losses.

Creating combined deworming and vaccination programmes for affected farms prevents the development of gaps in immunity against lungworm and thus prevents heavy contamination of pastures and acute disease outbreaks.