Don’t let worms get the better of you this spring

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Press Release

March 2014

Farmers understand how important good worming strategies are at reducing parasite burdens in livestock at turn out. When the same wormers are over-used season after season and if animals are under-dosed, this can potentially lead to the development of resistant parasites that impacts on overall production. Especially with the recent torrential but mild weather, parasite numbers could be even more numerous than normal with a higher risk at turnout. But help is at hand with Dectomax™ Pour-on Solution for Cattle 5mg/ml, designed to be effective all year round and in all weathers that helps livestock reach the peak of their productivity.

Spring turnout is the time when cattle are susceptible to infection, particularly young livestock. You can help prevent this by turning out on to low risk pastures and using timed treatments like Dectomax™ that works even in the wettest weather with no effect on efficacy.

To obtain optimal benefit from the action of DectomaxTM, it is recommended that cattle which are set-stocked should be treated at turnout and eight weeks later. Studies have demonstrated that, used in this way, Dectomax™ will reduce the build-up of infective larvae on pasture and can protect animals from parasitic gastro-enteritis (PGE) and parasitic bronchitis throughout the grazing season. To obtain these results, all animals must be included in the programme and untreated cattle must not be introduced on the pasture. Treated cattle should always be monitored according to good husbandry practices.

Treatment with DectomaxTM at turnout and eight weeks later of cattle set-stocked for the grazing season can protect against clinical disease caused by lungworm and may allow the development of naturally acquired immunity. However, due to the unpredictable nature of lungworm epidemiology, clinical signs of lungworm disease may on occasion be seen, particularly towards the end of the grazing season, if the season is long. If this occurs, cattle should be further treated with an anthelmintic effective against lungworm. 

The zero and eight week programme maximises health, productivity and profitability at grass, while minimising animal handling.

Always seeks advice from your veterinary surgeon or Suitably Qualified Person if you are concerned about parasites on your farm. It’s important to check Faecal Egg Counts (FECs) regularly, as this provides valuable information about the efficacy of your worm programme and can help you decide if worming is necessary.

So this spring and in light of the torrential weather, consider upping your worming programme to ensure live weight gains are maintained and production losses minimised to give you back your peace of mind.

Use Animal Medicines Responsibly www.noah.co.uk/responsible

DectomaxTM contains doramectin, available as a 0.5% Pour On (5mg/ml) solution for use in cattle Vm 00006/4122 and as a 1% injectable (10mg/ml) Vm 00006/4121, ready to use solution for cattle and sheep. Legal Category POM-VPS

For further information contact Elanco Animal Health, Lilly House, Priestley Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 9NL, Tel 01256 353131, Fax 01256 779510 Email elancouk@lilly.com

Press Contact: Companion Consultancy Victoria Duggan Tel: 01284 761107 e-mail   victoria@companionconsultancy.com

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