Using a season long wormer will both treat lung worm infestations in weanling cattle – including replacement heifers – while, at the same time, allowing stock to develop the desired level of natural immunity, according to Co. Waterford vet Pat Devine.
“With a long-acting injectable wormer like Cydectin 10% LA, lungworm larvae are very effectively killed, but only after they have stimulated an immune reaction against hoose,” he said.
“So farmers can have their cake and eat it: worm control now and immunity for the future.”
Pat went on to explain that his practice had organised a number of on-farm demonstrations to show farmers how best to control worms and how easy it is to give the injection.
“We are happy for our farmers to use Cydectin 10% LA, as with a single injection we know that they have a worm programme for the spring and summer. This is a huge advantage when calves are going to an out farm, but even when nearby, there are always other farm activities like silage-making that can interrupt a conventional worming programme.
“It is particularly important four months after the animals have been treated that they are monitored each day for coughing.
“If they are coughing they could need a dose for hoose, otherwise they can be dosed just before housing. Once farmers have been shown how to do the injection at the back of the ear, it is easy to replicate.
“This approach reduces the risk of any residues entering the food chain.”
Zoetis veterinarian Charles Chavasse confirmed that a growing number of Irish farmers have discovered Cydectin 10% LA injection over recent years.
“Farmers give the calves a small injection into the back of the ear, safe in the knowledge that it takes care of worms until the back end. Many say they started using it for the convenience but have kept using it as the animals outperform those on previous worm control programmes.”