Outbreaks of lungworm in cattle, caused by the nematode Dictyocaulus viviparus, can be severe and difficult to predict. In the UK, lungworm disease has been increasing since 2009, due to climate change, possible anthelmintic failures and low vaccine use. Worryingly, cases are becoming more prevalent in older cattle as well as youngstock. The epidemiology is complex and outbreaks are often unpredictable. There is a shift in a very prescriptive seasonality from late summer to disease now occurring for longer periods throughout the year, due to factors such as  larvae surviving on pasture for longer, longer grazing seasons and changing management practices

This webinar, Chaired by RUMA Agriculture brings together the Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) group, Moredun and farm vets Rob Howe and Anuschka Marsman to consider the challenge lungworm can present on a cattle farm, and what can be done to minimise its impact. You can watch the webinar here.

Programme and panellists: 

Dr David Bartley – Principal Research Scientist, Moredun Research Institute

An introduction to lungworm, the parasite lifecycle, development of immunity and disease and epidemiology.

Rob Howe MRVCS – Independent cattle vet

Lungworm diagnosis including clinical signs and testing. Treatment options including grazing strategies. Prevention through vaccination.

Anuschka Marsman MRCVS – Independent cattle vet   

In 2024 Anuschka embarked on a year-long project with dairy farmers in South Wales to discover ways of protecting their animals from lungworm, whilst also protecting dung beetles. In the webinar she reviews the results.

Sara Gregson – COWS Manager

A brief review of COWS activities and resources for vets and SQPs