Cattle Parasite Control Guide

Cattle Parasite Control Guide

When trying to choose the correct product for your livestock there are a number of factors to take into account to ensure you get optimal coverage for the right price all while reducing the risk of resistance on your farm.

Our guide to parasite control should give you all the information you need to make the right choice for you.

What kind of wormer should I use?
Wormers are used to treat and control parasitic infections from roundworm, lungworm, tapeworms and liver fluke.
These wormers (or Anthelmintics) can be categorised into the following groups.

Group 1: Benzimidazoles (BZ)
Group 2: Levamisole (Imidazothiazoles) (LV)
Group 3: Macrocyclic lactones, including avermactins and milbemycins (ML)
Group 4: Amino acetonitrile derivatives (Monepantel) (AD)
Group 5: Spiroindoles (SI) Wormers in these groups are effective against all the major species or roundworm and lungworm, with some also being effective against liver fluke and tapeworms.
Wormers from Group 3 (ML) both injectables and pour ons are effective against ectoparasites.

Essentials of dosing cattle

Choosing the correct product for the parasites you are targeting  is essential.
This will give predictable results which will lessen the chances of having to retreat.
This will in turn save time, money and reduce the chances of resistance on your farm.

Below are some essential tips to ensure you are treating your livestock properly.
Which ever product and method of administration you choose it is essential to always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
- Choose an appropriate product for the parasites you are targeting
- Make sure to store wormers appropriately, normally away from sunlight, away from extreme temperatures and sometimes in a fridge. All these details will be available on documents accompanying the wormers.
- Ensure all dosing equipment is clean, compatible with your choice of wormer and is measuring correctly.
- Dose according to liveweight to avoid under or over dosing
- Record everything properly. Product used, amount used, batch number, expiry date, animal id, treatment date and withdrawal periods
- Do not mix wormers together as this can cause the product to be inactive

Methods of Administration

Pour Ons
- Pour Ons should be applied down along the length of the flattest part of the animal's back
- Animals should not be treated when wet or if rain is expected, unless the product specifically says it is ok to do so
- Damaged skin should be avoided
- Areas contaminated with mud or manure should be avoided and cleaned before application

Injectables
- Clean and sterile equipment should always be used, if using the same syringe for multiple animals the needle should be disinfected between injections
- If the injection site is dirty it should be cleaned with an alcohol wipe before injecting
- Use an appropriate sized needle for the animal you are injecting
- Make sure the animal is appropriately restrained before injecting
- For subcutaneous injections raise a fold of skin and inject into the space created, as shown in the diagram below  
- Dispose of used needles and syringes in an appropriate sharps container

Oral Drenches
- Ensure all drenching equipment is clean and calibrated
- Ensure the animal is restrained with their head held up
- Slide the  nozzle of the dosing gun into the side of the mouth and over the tongue so that the entire dose is swallowed immediately

Products by group

Group 1: Benzimidazole (BZ) (White)

 
Group 2: Levamisole (LV) (Yellow)

 
Group 3: Macrocycli Lactones (ML) (Clear)

 
Combination Products

 
Flukicides