Plan for parasite control

Assess the exposure over the summer 

Review the likely worm challenge that different groups of cattle were exposed to. Consider the type of grazing used, its history, whether cattle were moved during the season, and the effectiveness of any wormer treatments given since turnout.

Review immunity status 

Adult cows are more likely to have built and maintained an immunity to gutworms than younger cattle, so the impact of a worm burden may be less significant and adult suckler cows are unlikely to require treatment. Calves and growing youngstock who haven't developed sufficient immunity are at higher risk of growth checks and production loss caused by a worm burden.

Consider liver fluke

This parasite causes production loss in all ages of cattle, so assess the risk of liver fluke infection on your farm or grazing land. By autumn, cattle which have grazed at-risk pasture will almost certainly be carrying a liver fluke infection. Treatment options will vary depending on the age of your animals and are more limited in dairy cows. Speak to your vet or SQP for advice.

Prioritise your parasite control 

At housing, aim to complete all worm and fluke control treatments as soon as possible, starting with priority groups of animals. This should usually be calves, first season grazing stock, and heifers. Removing parasites in these groups first will support healthy growth to meet weight gain targets over winter, improve feed conversion ratios, and increase overall productivity.

IVOMEC® Super IVOMEC® Super is a broad-spectrum, dual-active parasite control for cattle, that treats and provides protection against reinfection from the most pathogenic gutworm species including Ostertagia ostertagi, Cooperia spp., the cattle lungworm, and adult liver fluke.

IVOMEC® Super Injection for Cattle contains ivermectin and clorsulon. POM-VPS. Advice should be sought from the prescriber. Further information available in the SPC or from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd, RG12 8YS, UK. Tel: 01344 746957. Email: [email protected]. IVOMEC® and the Steerhead® logo are registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health France SCS, used under licence. ©2023 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK

For more information, talk to your vet or suitably qualified person, or check out the Beat the Parasites Hub