Most dairy herds will have first season grazers, second season grazers and milking and dry cows. Each group should be considered differently when it comes to worming

Parasitic worms are NOT evenly distributed among animals in a herd. Treatment of poorly performing individuals or those with high egg count results can lead to a disproportionate reduction in round worm infections read more at www.cattleparasites.org.uk

The ‘Things to do Now’ panel on the COWS website is split into 3 critical time periods - housing, turnout & summer grazing offering a snapshot of the things farmers should be thinking about right now. The activities for turnout have just been switched on

Keep one step ahead of cattle parasites this year. Will animals need treating before turnout? Which fields are high risk for FSG calves? Which animals are most at risk? Make worm control an important part of the herd health plan. Discuss with the vet/RAMA/SQP

Some liver fluke resistance to triclabendazole has been reported in UK cattle so resistance status must be established before putting a parasite control plan in place. A Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) can be used if uncertain esp. on farms with sheep

Watch farm animal vet Robert Smith talking as he administers wormers in several different ways: subcutaneous injections, ear injections, intra-ruminal boluses, pour-on products or oral drenching bit.ly/3OL2iS3 #doitright

Unpredictable weather patterns mean it is likely snail habitats and liver fluke have been more widespread with the window for infection more prolonged than in dry summers. Farmers must stay on guard & keep testing. See more bit.ly/4jcXoeO