Parasite control and Saint Swithin's Day

Abstract

Mid-summer provides a useful check point for assessing the dynamics of parasite populations, their potential impact and the need for control measures. In young cattle, measuring growth rates and faecal egg counts at this time can provide valuable prognostic information on the likely effects of parasitic gastroenteritis over the second half of the grazing season. Faecal sampling can also be used to monitor fluke infections, but may be of less value in assessing the risk of lungworm. Local weather patterns leading up to and including mid-summer can be used in conjunction with sampling and management data to generate an overall picture of the epidemiology and risk of the various protozoal, helminth and arthropod parasites that can affect cattle at grass; these in turn can be used to guide pasture management and treatment options appropriate to individual farms and farmers.