AFBI warning at beginning of high risk period for Lungworm infection (Hoose) in Cattle
Date published:
Parasitic pneumonia, also known as hoose or husk, is an economically important disease in cattle caused by the lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparous. Lungworm can result in severe financial losses due to loss of performance and fatalities in growing cattle and drop in milk yield and fatalities in lactating cows.
Outbreaks of parasitic pneumonia are usually observed from July to October with occasional outbreaks occurring either earlier in the summer or after October. AFBI would like to alert cattle farmers that we are now in the high risk period for parasitic pneumonia and fatal cases of hoose have already been diagnosed in calves examined at AFBI laboratories during the current grazing season.
Infections are acquired by ingestion of infected larvae from pasture and calves in their first grazing season are chiefly affected by lungworm. Thereafter immunity may develop and is important in developing resistance to re-infection in previously exposed calves. Dairy calves and autumn born suckler calves are very susceptible to infection.
Persistence of immunity which cattle derive from exposure to lungworm is dependent on further exposure, otherwise immunity may wane in time. Cases of parasitic pneumonia are now commonly diagnosed by AFBI in older calves and in adult cattle in which immunity to lungworm has waned due to lack of exposure in the intervening period or in animals which were not exposed to lungworm in previous seasons.
Clinical signs of lungworm infection include respiratory signs, panting and harsh persistent cough. Growth rates may be affected. Severe infections may result difficulty in breathing and death.
Lungworm infection should be considered whenever batches of calves grazing permanent or semi permanent pasture are affected by respiratory signs and coughing. Faecal testing for lungworm larvae is also a useful diagnostic aid but negative results are possible particularly early in infections.
Effective treatment options are available involving the administration of anthelmintic products. Veterinary advice and treatment should be sought for severely affected animals.
Notes to editors:
AFBI is an arms-length body of DAERA delivering research and development, diagnostic and analytical testing, emergency response capability and expert scientific advice for DAERA and other government departments, public bodies and commercial companies in Northern Ireland, and further afield.
AFBI’s Vision is “Scientific excellence delivering impactful and sustainable outcomes for society, economy and the natural environment”.
AFBI’s Purpose is to deliver trusted, independent research, statutory & surveillance science, and expert advice that addresses local and global challenges, informs government policy and industry decision making, and underpins a sustainable agri-food industry and the natural and marine environments.
AFBI’s strategic priorities:
- Leading improvements in the agri-food industry to enhance its sustainability;
- Protecting animal, plant and human health;
- Enhancing the natural and marine environment;
- Delivering quality outcomes and impact;
- Enabling world class science through excellence in people, places & technology.