livestock
Data Shows Worms Pose Risk To Livestock Throughout the Year Farmers must be on their guard against parasites throughout the year, with warmer, wetter weather and fewer cold spells1 leading to changing worm patterns in livestock. Data from the Zoetis Parasite Watch Scheme, which is now in its seventh-year monitoring worm egg counts from a network of farms across the country, has found worm patterns to be changing yearly. What the Data is Showing In 2021, worm egg counts were low at the start of the year due to the cool, dry spring, yet in 2020, high counts were reported in many areas as early as March.
Last year, worm egg counts peaked from June onwards once the weather became warm and wet, continuing right through the summer months. The highest counts of the year occurred in September and November. Zoetis vet Ally Anderson said: “Worms and their breeding habits are intrinsically linked to the weather because part of their lifecycle is outside the animal. This is why we are seeing a changing pattern to the worm challenge. “Twenty years ago, it would have been unusual to see worm egg counts peaking in November, but because our seasons are less defined now, and our autumn and winters are warmer and wetter.
“Changes in grazing practices, what stock has been brought in and past treatment history can also influence worm burdens on farms,” she added. Eurion Thomas from Techion, the manufacturers of Faecal egg count (FEC) testing kit FECPAKG2, said there has been a big change to the timing of treatments due to the changing weather patterns. “Traditionally, farmers would treat stock based on the time of the year, with many still doing this. However, now the risk periods are not so defined, it is vital farmers treat stock based on whether they need it. This not only helps ensure the
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treatments are effective, but also preserves wormers, protects the immediate environment and ensures the growth from animals is maximised, which is vital for farm sustainability and also in reducing emissions from livestock.” Deciding When to Worm Livestock Worming decisions should ideally be based on faecal egg counts (FEC) alongside growth rate data, the body condition score of animals, and a farm’s previous parasite history. Test results should also be shared with a vet or animal health advisor, who can help interpret
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