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Surveillance

Lungworm warning in Scotland FARMERS in Scotland are being warned to be alert for signs of lungworm in their cattle this autumn, following reports from the Veterinary Services section of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) that diagnostic submissions to its surveillance centres, and feedback from farm animal vets across Scotland, are indicating a high number of recent cases. ‘Based on previous years we would expect to see more cases in years with good summer weather and grass growth,’ said Colin Mason, manager of SRUC’s Dumfries Veterinary Centre. ‘The extended grazing period results in a greater risk of exposure to lungworm larvae on the pasture. The wetter weather in August will have favoured parasite survival and spread on the pasture, adding to the risk.’ He added: ‘In addition, immunity to the parasite is variable in many herds in any age of cattle due to a reduced uptake of the vaccine, increased use of wormers in young stock rearing and potentially more housing of adult cattle with less opportunity to boost immunity.’ SRUC is encouraging farmers to 340 | Veterinary Record | October 11, 2014

Lungworm in a case submitted to SRUC for investigation

consider the risk of lungworm in their grazing cattle, particularly if the weather allows grazing to continue later into the autumn. It suggests that farmers consult their veterinary surgeons about preventive and treatment options to reduce losses. It is also advising that removing lungworm burdens before or at housing will be particularly important for autumn pneumonia control programmes this year, together with vaccination. doi: 10.1136/vr.g6106

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Lungworm warning in Scotland

Veterinary Record 2014 175: 340

doi: 10.1136/vr.g6106 Updated information and services can be found at: http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/content/175/14/340.3

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Lungworm warning in Scotland.

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