Preventive vaccination of lactating and pregnant heifers against lungworm: safety and protection in three dairy herds

A study of the safety of a vaccine against lungworm was carried out with pregnant and lactating heifers from three dairy herds with a previous history of lungworm outbreaks in adult cows. Half of the heifers were vaccinated while the other half were not. A slight temporary cough following the vaccination was only observed in one herd. No adverse effects on pregnancy or milk production were seen. All heifers were serologically and coprologically examined before the first, before and after the second immunization, 3 months after introduction to pasture and at the end of the grazing season. Serological and faecal examination of the dairy cows before introduction into pasture confirmed the presence of at least one Dictyocaulus viviparus carrier in each herd. Lungworm infection occurred in all herds during the grazing season, most prominently in the herd with the highest number of heifers. In this herd, mild coughing associated with the lungworm infection was noticed, especially in the non vaccinated heifers. No other signs or symptoms were observed. It is concluded that a vaccine against D. viviparus can be used safely in heifers, before they are introduced into the adult herd, and that this vaccine can be used as a preventive measure against lungworm outbreaks in adult cattle.     

Observations on the epidemiology of Dictyocaulus viviparus in north west England

A five year ley pasture was used as a source of natural infection with Dictyocaulus viviparus for cattle in anthelmintic trials. Pasture larval counts, faecal larval counts of permanently grazing calves and lungworm burdens harboured by tracer calves were monitored in three grazing seasons to assess the pattern of infection. Carrier calves were introduced at the beginning of the grazing season in the first two years of the study but not in the third. In the fourth year the pasture was subdivided into two paddocks where overwintered infection with and without carrier infection were compared. A control paddock exposed to carrier infection but no overwintered infection was also monitored. Pasture larvae survived the winter but carrier infection appeared to make a larger contribution to pasture larval counts and the onset of parasitic bronchitis in susceptible calves. In the absence of grazing cattle at the end of the grazing season the concentration of D viviparus larvae on the herbage fell rapidly to undetectable levels. Discrepancies between contamination of herbage by infective D viviparus larvae and infectivity of pasture for susceptible cattle occurred in all years but were particularly marked on the third year when natural immunity appeared to influence the number of lungworms accumulating in tracer calves. Failure to recover lung worms from tracer calves cannot be regarded as an accurate indication of lungworm free pasture. In the first three years the proportion of the lungworm population which was inhibited in tracer calves was higher early and late in the grazing season and negligible in mid season. This suggests that a predisposition to inhibition in larvae which have overwintered on pasture may influence the time of onset of parasitic bronchitis in the next grazing season, but results from the fourth year did not support this hypothesis.     

Immunity of ivermectin treated cattle to challenge from helminth parasites in the following season

Two groups of yearling cattle which had been treated with ivermectin either three and eight, or three, eight and 13 weeks after turn out to trichostrongyle contaminated pasture in their first grazing season were exposed in the following season to natural challenge with helminth parasites. To assess their immunity to this challenge each group shared a pasture with parasite naive first season calves. No anthelmintic treatments were administered at any time during the year. Throughout the grazing period the yearlings showed normal respiratory rates, negative faecal lungworm larval counts, and, relative to the calves, low faecal trichostrongyle egg counts. All the first season calves developed patent lungworm infections and on one occasion the mean respiratory rates of each group of calves were significantly greater than those of the yearling cattle. At the end of the grazing period, from early May until late September or October 1986, the cattle were removed from pasture and together with parasite naive controls challenged with either 10 or 22 third stage larvae of Dictyocaulus viviparus/kg bodyweight and necropsied between 18 and 23 days later. Although the experimental challenge resulted in relatively heavy lungworm infection of the naive controls, none of the yearlings and only three of the 11 calves which had been at pasture were found to be infected. However, large numbers of arrested fourth stage larvae of Ostertagia ostertagi were present in all the naturally infected yearlings and calves.     

Effect of naturally occurring nematode infections on growth performance of first-season grazing calves

Liveweight of calves on 89 dairy farms was measured at the end of the grazing season and related per herd to the level of exposure to nematode infection during the grazing season. There were significant between-herd variations in antibody titres against Ostertagia spp., Cooperia spp. and Dictyocaulus viviparus as well as in pepsinogen values. All but six herds (93.1%) had gastrointestinal nematode infections, as measured by faecal egg counts in September. Faecal samples of 17 herds (19.3%) contained lungworm larvae in September. Liveweight of calves per herd deviated from -68.1 kg to +84.1 kg from the age-adjusted population mean after their first grazing season. Growth performance up to the time of liveweight measurements was significantly correlated negatively with several serological and parasitological parameters. Data could be fitted by means of both linear and segmented curvilinear regression. Antibody titre against Cooperia spp. and gastrointestinal nematode egg output measured in September accounted for 3.1% (P less than 0.10) and 6.7% (P less than 0.05), respectively, of the variation in growth performance among herds. Certain infection parameters, when combined, accounted for 9.2% of this variation; these were antibody titre against Cooperia spp. and larval counts for both gastrointestinal nematodes and lungworm. Adding certain management factors to these infection parameters resulted in a model explaining 27.6% of the observed variation in growth performance among herds. These factors were supplementary feeding, lungworm vaccination, anthelmintic treatment at housing, date of housing and herd age.     

An outbreak of dictyocaulosis in lactating cows on a dairy farm

CASE DESCRIPTION: The owner of a herd of 74 Holstein-Friesian cattle reported decreased milk production, weight loss, and coughing among lactating cows. Owner-initiated antimicrobial treatment was unsuccessful; 1 lactating cow died, and 50% of the lactating cows had clinical signs of respiratory distress, such as tachypnea and coughing. CLINICAL FINDINGS: On the basis of history, physical examination findings, and fecal examination results, affected animals were determined to have Dictyocaulus viviparus (lungworm) infestation. The disease history suggested that the herd contained cows with subclinical patent lungworm infestations; after introduction of susceptible heifers, the pastures had become heavily infested with D viviparus and clinical problems subsequently developed in both newly introduced and resident cows. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Affected and unaffected heifers and adult cows were treated with a pour-on formulation of eprinomectin (0.5 mg/kg [0.23 mg/lb]). One animal died, but 2 weeks after treatment, clinical signs among affected cattle were markedly improved. Ten weeks after treatment, milk production improved from 23 kg/cow/d (51 lb/cow/d) to 28 kg/cow/d (62 lb/cow/d). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The outbreak provides additional evidence that dictyocaulosis is becoming more common among adult dairy cattle, rather than almost exclusively affecting young stock. This may be attributable to anthelmintic use and management practices on dairy farms. Combined with anecdotal reports of an increase in the incidence of dictyocaulosis among adult cattle in North America, D viviparus infestation should be included as a differential diagnosis for decreased milk production, weight loss, and coughing among adult dairy cattle.     

Performance of second-season grazing cattle following different levels of parasite control in their first grazing season

A 3-year grazing trial was performed during 2003-2005 on a commercial steer-producing farm in Sweden to study performance of second-season grazing (SSG) cattle following different levels of parasite exposure during their first grazing season. Initially, groups of 10 first-season grazing (FSG) cattle were each year assigned to four parasite control strategies: (1) turn-out onto pasture that during the previous year was grazed by SSG cattle, followed by a mid-July move to aftermath, (2) supplementation with concentrate and roughage for 4 weeks after turn-out, (3) no treatment, or (4) anthelmintic treatment (injectable doramectin) every fourth week. All animals were set stocked, except for those in group one. Next spring and following housing the cattle were turned out for their second grazing season onto approximately 25 ha communal pasturelands as a common mob. Weighing, faecal sampling and blood collection were performed at turn-out and then every 4 weeks for the 20-week grazing season. Faecal samples were also collected on day 10 after turn-out for detection of coccidian oocysts. Antibodies to Dictyocaulus viviparus were analysed at the time of their second housing period, and when elevated levels were recorded, stored serum samples from seropositive animals were analysed retrospectively. Results showed early-season weight losses of up to 47 kg in the SSG cattle. However, faecal egg counts were generally low and there was no correlation between SSG performance and treatment history as FSG cattle. Still, cumulative egg counts were significantly higher in animals that had been treated with anthelmintic as FSG cattle but serum pepsinogen concentrations showed no significant differences and the output of Eimeria alabamensis oocysts seldom exceeded 10,000 oocysts per gram faeces. Antibodies to D. viviparus were observed from July 2004 and from June 2005 but not in 2003. In 2004 and 2005, 64% and 83% of the animals, respectively, were seropositive for D. viviparus. It is concluded that weight gain penalties resulting from different levels of parasite infections the first grazing season remained during the second grazing season in 2004 and 2005 but no differences in weight gain could be identified in SSG cattle that had experienced different parasite control measures during their first grazing season. This was under conditions where the level of pasture infectivity was low to moderate during the second grazing period. However, D. viviparus was demonstrated in SSG animals during the two last years of the study and was an important confounding factor.     

Failure to eradicate the lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus on dairy farms by a single mass-treatment before turnout

On two dairy farms it was attempted to eradicate lungworm, Dictyocaulus viviparus, by means of a single mass-treatment of all cattle that had been grazed the previous year(s), before turnout in the spring. Both farms experienced two years of lungworm outbreaks in the adult dairy herd prior to this study. Following confirmation that both herds contained lungworm carriers, all animals older than approximately 6 months were treated with eprinomectin in March 2007. One week after treatment none of the animals were shedding lungworm larvae. Subsequently, animals were pastured according to normal farm routine. From August to November all first-calving heifers were coprologically and serologically monitored for lungworm infection. During 2007 both farms remained lungworm-negative and did not report any clinical sign indicative for a lungworm infection. The following year, on one of the farms replacements grazing on cow pastures, started showing signs of parasitic bronchitis which was serologically confirmed. The other herd remained free of parasitic bronchitis until at least the fourth year after the mass treatment, although some coughing was noticed in 2008 among first-lactation heifers. It was concluded that a single mass-treatment before the grazing season may be useful to break a series of annual lungworm outbreaks. However, it is not a secure method to prevent parasitic bronchitis for more than one year.     

Seroprevalence of Dictyocaulus viviparus in first grazing season calves in Sweden

A serological survey was carried out to determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of Dictyocaulus viviparus in calves after their first grazing season in Sweden. A total of 754 animals from 76 randomly selected herds in seven geographical regions were examined between September 24 and December 19, 2001. To get an indication about the geographical distribution of the infection 41 herds with beef-suckler calves were investigated. On each farm, blood was collected from 8 to 10 animals after an average of 26 +/- 24 days post-housing to determine specific IgG1 levels against a possible lungworm sperm antigen that is highly specific against patent infections of D. viviparus. We also investigated the seroprevalence of lungworm infection in relation to cattle management. In one region additional samples were analysed from 35 herds either with: (a) beef-suckling calves that were dewormed at housing, (b) untreated organically raised dairy calves, and finally from conventionally raised dairy calves either, (c) with or, (d) without a prophylactic anthelmintic treatment programme against gastrointestinal parasites on pasture. A questionnaire was used to obtain information about herd size and management, including measures to control nematode parasites on the farm. A total of 86 (11.8%) out of 754 animals had antibodies against D. viviparus, and at least one infected individual was detected in 30 (39.5%) of the 76 herds examined. Lungworm infected animals were found throughout the country and there was no significant differences between regions, although in southern and southwestern Sweden 70.0% of the herds were infected. Furthermore, there were no major differences in the seroprevalence in relation to management. Between 40.0 and 44.4% of the herds were infected irrespective of management, with the exception of calves from organic herds where no seropositive samples were found (0%). This result is in contrast to previous findings of lungworms in Sweden, and indicates that the parasite status on organic farms is diverse.     

A field survey on the status of internal parasites in calves on organic dairy farms in southwestern Sweden

Infections with internal parasites are one of the most important causes of reduced productivity in first-grazing season cattle (FGSC). In conventional herds, nematode infections can be controlled by prophylactic anthelmintic treatments, but this is prohibited in organic production. The purpose of this investigation was to monitor the status of internal parasitism on 15 organic cattle enterprises in southwestern Sweden during the 1997 and 1998 grazing seasons, and to estimate the benefits of some management practices in parasite control. On each farm, the numbers of Eimeria alabamensis oocysts per gram of (opg) faeces were counted in seven fresh dung pats collected from the paddock 8-10 days after the turnout of FGSC. Faecal samples from 5 to 15 FGSC were also analysed for nematode eggs per gram (epg) faeces at four occasions during each grazing season. In addition, the FGSC and one group of second-grazing season cattle (SGSC) were weighed at turnout and housing and at the same time blood samples were collected, and analysed for serum pepsinogen concentration and antibodies against the lungworm, Dictyocaulus viviparus. On seven farms, 1-6 samples with more than 100000 opg were found, indicating considerable pasture contamination by E. alabamensis. However, clinical signs of coccidiosis were not observed. The highest outputs of nematode eggs were observed 45-55 days after turnout. More than 500 epg were only observed in 12 (2.2%) of the calves in 1997 and in three (0.6%) animals in 1998. Only 1% of the serum samples had pepsinogen values exceeding 3.6 U tyrosine, indicative of subclinical Ostertagia ostertagi infection. Lungworm infection was detected in five and nine herds in 1997 and 1998, respectively. The number of seropositive animals on these farms ranged between one (10%) and seven (70%). Clinical signs of dictyocaulosis were observed on two farms. The results indicate that dictyocaulosis is a problem in organic dairy herds in Sweden. On the other hand, the study shows that good management such as usage of parasite safe pastures and supplementary feeding may help control gastrointestinal parasites.     

The effect of rotational grazing for periods of one or two weeks on the build‐up of lungworm and gastrointestinal nematode infections in calves

Summary

An experiment was carried out with three groups of grazing calves and one housed control group to study the effect of rotational grazing for periods of 1 and 2 weeks on the build up of lungworm and gastro‐intestinal nematode infections respectively. The experiment demonstrated that rotational grazing for periods of I week on six plots prevented the build‐up of heavy lungworm infections. A buildup of heavier lungworm infections was observed in a group that was rotationally grazed for periods of 2 weeks on three plots and a group which remained on one plot throughout the grazing season; there was no difference between these two groups. In all three situations, there was an adequate development of immunity against D. viviparus, as measured by worm recovery after challenge infection at the end of the experiment in comparison with worm recovery of the similarly challenged control group. Neither rotational grazing scheme protected the calves against gastrointestinal helminthiasis, because tracer calves, which grazed for 4 days only in August or October, acquired infections which would have resulted in severe illness or even death if necropsy had been postponed for a week.     

Management practices and use of anthelmintics on dairy cattle farms in The Netherlands: results of a questionnaire survey

In December 1996, a questionnaire about farm management and parasite control measures in calves was sent to 956 randomly chosen dairy cattle farmers in The Netherlands. Another 150 farmers in the vicinity of Deventer who had vaccinated their calves in 1995 against lungworm were approached with the same questions. Our objective was to investigate the consequences on worm control of the withdrawal of the lungworm vaccine from the market for reasons of possible BSE contamination of the vaccine. Of the returned questionnaires, 411 (43%) of the `at random' group and 89 (59.3%) of the `Deventer' group were valid. The most important data with regard to the farms of the `at random' group (411) were: mean area 31.6 ha, mean number of calves 23, heifers 23 and milking cows 53. Sheep (mean 37) were present on 18.3% of the farms. With regard to management: 74.5% of the farmers turned the calves in their first year onto pasture, 25.5% kept them indoors. The average time on pasture was ca. 5 months. Rotational grazing was practised on 81.4% of the farms, on 18.6% calves were set stocked. The first pasture of the calves was mown before turn-out on 72.9% of the farms. On 48.2% of these farms, calves were always moved to mown pastures. With regard to treatments: 33.8% of the farmers vaccinated their calves against lungworm in the years 1993, 1994 and 1995. Despite the withdrawal of the vaccine from the market in 1996, 7.2% of the farmers vaccinated their calves as recommended, with two doses, and 13.1% with a single dose. At turn-out, 41.5% of the farmers gave the calves a preventive anthelmintic treatment. Of these treatments, 66.9% were sustained of pulse release long acting devices. During the grazing season, 36.6% of the farmers treated their calves. After housing, 50.3% of the farmers gave a treatment. Signs of lungworm infection were noticed on 18.6% of the farms. Of the `Deventer' group (89 farmers), 96.6% turned the calves out. Of these farmers, 86.0% had used the lungworm vaccine in 1995. In 1996, 52.7% of the farmers had vaccinated the calves: 36.5% with a single dose and 16.2% with the double dose. Of the 35 farmers who did not vaccinate in 1996, 62.9% gave a preventive treatment at turn-out. Clinical signs of lungworm infection were not observed on the 12 farms which vaccinated the calves twice. On 11% of the farms which vaccinated once and on 14% of the farms which did not vaccinate, signs of lungworm infection were observed. It is concluded that more than 80% of Dutch dairy cattle farmers take appropriate measures to control gastrointestinal nematode and lungworm infections in calves in their first grazing season by grazing on aftermath, rotational grazing on mown pastures combined or not with preventive anthelmintic treatments. However, combinations of aftermath grazing and preventive treatment occurred on 30% of the farms. This may be overprotective and may prevent sufficient build up of immunity, causing worm problems at a later age. The withdrawal of the lungworm vaccine from the market did not cause a rise in lungworm problems. Some farmers did vaccinate, despite the withdrawal. The majority used other preventive treatment measures, mainly the application of long acting boli.     

Effect of naturally occurring nematode infections in the first and second grazing season on the growth performance of second-year cattle

Antibody titres against Ostertagia spp., Cooperia spp. and Dictyocaulus viviparus as well as pepsinogen values, reflecting exposure to nematode infection, differed significantly among herds of second-year cattle on 87 farms. Faecal examinations revealed that gastrointestinal nematode infections were present in all herds. Similar results were found in yearling-herds on the same farms a year earlier. Liveweight of yearlings per herd deviated from -64.7 kg to +94.4 kg from an age-adjusted population mean after the second grazing season. This mean herd weight deviation was significantly related negatively to antibody titre against Ostertagia spp. (linear regression, P less than 0.05; segmented curvilinear regression, P less than 0.01) and to antibody titre against Cooperia spp. (segmented curvilinear regression, P less than 0.05), both measured in the second grazing season. Antibody titre against Ostertagia spp. measured in the first grazing season, when yearlings were calves, was significantly correlated positively to age-adjusted body weights at the end of the second grazing season. The results suggested that immunity built up during the first year had a positive effect on growth performance in the second year, but that on average the acquired immunity was insufficient to prevent reduced weight gains in the second grazing season.     

Lungworm disease in dairy cattle: symptoms,diagnosis, and pathogenesis on the basis of four case reports

Clinical lungworm disease appears to occur frequently in Dutch dairy herds. Because the clinical diagnosis is difficult to make in adult cattle, the clinical diagnosis, laboratory diagnosis, differential diagnosis, therapy, and prevention are discussed in this article. In addition, four cases of lungworm disease in adult cattle are presented. The main clinical complaints were coughing, decreased milk production, and weight loss. Several lactating cows died in one herd. The disease history of four herds revealed that introduction of susceptible cows or heifers to herds with cows with subclinical patent lungworm infections had resulted in a pasture infection, leading to clinical problems in both the newly introduced and 'resident' cows of the herd. Further history analysis of the fourth herd revealed that re-introduction of lungworm infection by newly purchased cows in a lungworm free herd resulted in clinical lungworm problems in adult and young animals. The fourth case led to the conclusion that lungworm infection must have been re-introduced by cows purchased from another farm.     

Dictyocaulus viviparus in Denmark. A survey of 15 years' diagnostic examination of faeces samples (author's transl)]

On the basis of routine diagnostic examinations of 12424 bovine faeces samples for larvae of Dictyocaulus viviparus, performed during the period 1963 through 1977, some calculations and reflections have been made on the incidence and epidemiology of lungworm infection in cattle in Denmark. It seems justified to conclude that dictyocaulosis is an important disease in heifers and cows as well as in calves. A distinct seasonal variation in the incidence of lungworm infection is apparent, in that more than 85% of the faeces samples were submitted within the period July through October. Lungworm larvae could be demonstrated in faeces samples from cattle during the winter and spring- This is considered to be of great importance with a view to re-establishment of the infection in the following grazing season. Overwintering of larvae on pastures seems possible. too, since patent infections among calves were demonstrated already in May and June. A comparison of meteorological data with totals of samples submitted and with relative numbers of positive samples seems to confirm, that both the level and the spread of lungworm infections are influenced by the amount of rainfall during the period June through August.     

Effect of nematode infections and management practices on growth performance of calves on commercial dairy farms

Liveweight of calves on 86 dairy farms was measured at the end of the grazing season and related per herd to the level of exposure to nematode infection estimated in October and December. There were significant between-herd variations in all the serological infection parameters measured. On average 20.5 larvae per gram faeces (geometric mean) were found in October. Faecal samples of 20.5% of the herds contained lungworm larvae. Liveweight of calves deviated per herd from -59.8 kg to +52.2 kg from an age-adjusted population mean after their first grazing season. Growth performance was significantly related negatively to several serological and parasitological parameters. Data were fitted by means of both linear and segmented curvilinear regression. By combining infection parameters 19% of the variation in growth performance among herds could be explained. Infection parameters involved were antibody titre against Cooperia spp., egg output and lungworm larval count. It was found that antibody titres were significantly correlated positively to herd age, while pepsinogen values and egg output were negatively correlated to age. Combining supplementary feeding and anthelmintic treatment during the grazing season with the infection parameters into one model explained approximately 30% of the observed variation in growth performance among herds. It was shown that these findings were consistent with those of a similar study conducted on the same farms a year earlier, although there were clear differences between the years. Finally, significant positive relations were found between the levels of exposure to nematode parasites within farms between two consecutive years.     

Effect of ivermectin on performance of beef cattle on Georgia pastures

A total of 469 cows and calves from 2 herds, each on 6 pastures, was used to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy and animal-performance benefits of ivermectin given subcutaneously at a dosage of 200 micrograms/kg to nursing beef calves and their dams during a grazing season. Pastures were paired across the 2 herds. Three pasture groups from 1 herd were randomly assigned to either a nonmedicated control or to a medicated group. Treatment assignments were reversed in the other herd. The control groups comprised 110 cows and 108 calves, whereas 127 cows and 124 calves were treated with ivermectin (200 micrograms/kg). The cows were treated once, in late spring, and the calves were treated twice, once in late spring and again in midsummer. Cattle from one herd were weighed on days - 12, 21, 49, 77 (day of 2nd treatment for calves), and 105, and the other herd was weighed on days - 6, 23, 57, 86 (day of 2nd treatment for calves), and 113. Rectal fecal samples for nematode egg counts were obtained from approximately 25% of the cattle in each pasture on weighing days; usually, the same cattle were sampled each time. Calves treated with ivermectin gained (P less than 0.05) more weight than control calves up to the 2nd treatment date and up to the termination of the study. There was no significant difference between treated and control cows, with regard to weight gain over either interval. Treated calves had fewer positive fecal egg counts (P less than 0.01) and passed fewer eggs (P less than 0.05) after both treatments than did control calves. There were no differences in either number of eggs or number of negative cows between treatment groups. Adverse reactions attributable to treatment were not seen.     

A survey on Dictyocaulus viviparus antibodies in bulk milk of dairy herds in Northern Germany

Parasitic bronchitis caused by the bovine lungworm, Dictyocaulus viviparus, occurs worldwide in temperate areas. The parasite is found predominantly in calves and heifers, but dairy cattle can suffer from lungworms when they become infected for the first time or if they have lost immunity due to lack of exposure to lungworm larvae during the grazing season. The present study was performed to determine the D. viviparus bulk milk antibody prevalence in dairy herds in the East Frisian region of northwestern Germany, Lower Saxony, by analysing bulk milk samples collected in January (860 samples), September (866 samples) and November (860 samples) 2008, thereby representing 906 dairy farms. These samples were tested for antibodies against D. viviparus by a milk ELISA. This test detects patent infections only since it is based on recombinant major sperm protein as antigen. While in January 12.8% of dairy farms were positive for D. viviparus antibodies, the bulk milk samples collected in September and November revealed 6.9% and 6.6% positive dairy herds. From the 906 dairy farms included in the study, 191 (21.1%) tested positive at least once for antibodies against lungworm. From 810 dairy farms from which bulk milk samples were obtained during all three samplings, 146 (18.0%) farms were positive at one sampling date, 27 (3.3%) at two, and 4 (0.5%) on all three sampling dates. The majority of the farms represented in the study belonged to four districts of East Frisia, which showed no significant difference in the proportion of positive dairy farms.     

Persistent anthelmintic activity of topically administered ivermectin in red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) against lungworms (Dictyocaulus viviparus)

A controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the persistent anthelmintic effect of ivermectin as a topical treatment at 500 microg/kg against induced infection with lungworm (Dictyocaulus viviparus) in red deer (Cervus elaphus). The results showed a highly significant (p <0.01) anthelmintic activity for at least 28 days against a newly acquired infection with Dictyocaulus viviparus (>99% efficacy).     

Chemoprophylaxis and immunity to parasitic bronchitis in cattle — a field experiment comparing topical ivermectin and an oxfendazole intraruminal device

Seeder calves infected with Dictyocaulus viviparus were used to contaminate a field divided into three similar paddocks. Twenty-four autumn-born calves were allocated to three matched groups; one group was given topical ivermectin treatments (0.5 mg/kg) at 3, 8 and 13 weeks after turnout (Day 0); each member of a second group was given an oxfendazole pulse-release intraruminal device (OPRB) at turnout; while a third group was kept as untreated controls to monitor the natural epidemiological pattern of events. Severe pasteurella pneumonia exacerbated by lungworm infection occurred in the controls after Day 24. Two died and repeated doses of antibiotic and anthelmintic therapy were necessary to save the remainder. Clinical signs were much milder in the ivermectin and OPRB groups and resolved with only a single dose of antibiotic. The OPRB group excreted some lungworm larvae at this time, but none was detected in the faeces of the ivermectin group during the grazing season. At housing, five calves from each group and four lungworm-naive calves were challenged with D. viviparus larvae. The infection became patent in all challenge-control calves, but no larvae were passed by any of the trial animals. Post-mortem worm-counts revealed percentage takes for the challenge controls, trial controls, ivermectin and OPRB groups of 16.7, 0.01, 0.9 and 0.2, respectively. All trial groups had therefore developed a substantial immunity.     

Effect of strategic gastrointestinal nematode control on faecal egg count in traditional West African cattle

This paper reports on the effect of strategic anthelmintic treatments and other determinants on faecal egg counts (FEC) of Trichostrongyles in N'Dama cattle of a west African village. Initially, 527 animals from 13 private N'Dama cattle herds were monitored in a longitudinal study from October 1989 to December 1994. Each herd was stratified by age and animals were sequentially allocated to two groups with similar age distributions. One group received a single anthelmintic treatment of fenbendazole (7.5 mg/kg BW), in October 1989 (n = 250), whereas the other group remained untreated (n = 277) throughout the study. In the next rainy season (June to October), the treated animals were treated twice (in July and September). The same treatment schedule was used in the subsequent rainy seasons until December 1994. Biannual anthelmintic treatments decreased the level of FEC between 31% (late dry season) and 57% (rainy season), when compared to untreated controls. The highest levels of FEC were found during the rainy season from June to October. FEC levels decreased until 4 years of age, after which they remained on a constant low level. The variability of returns to anthelmintic treatments between herds did not seem to be influenced by FEC at the herd level. The financial evaluation of anthelmintic interventions cannot be predicted from FEC and must necessarily rely on the direct monitoring of livestock productivity parameters.