Immunity of calves treated with an oxfendazole pulse release bolus to challenge with Dictyocaulus viviparus

Two experiments were performed to study the effect of an oxfendazole pulse release intraruminal device (OPRB) on the development of lungworm infection and immunity in calves. Infections were monitored in OPRB-treated and control calves by faecal and pastural larval counts. Levels of immunity of grazing groups and helminth-free housed groups were compared by challenge infection. Even though signs of parasitic bronchitis were seen only in control animals, sufficient immunity had developed in OPRB-treated calves to prevent disease after a substantial challenge infection. However, the degree of immunity was less than in untreated grazing control groups and there were indications that it was related to initial infection levels. These results imply that the OPRB may successfully control parasitic bronchitis, provided that pasture larval infections are sufficient to allow the development of immunity.