Effective parasite control in cattle relies on the principle that prevention is always better than cure. While no system is perfect, proactive management is essential to reduce parasite burdens and protect production.
A practical way to assess the effectiveness of a parasite management program is through Faecal Worm Egg Counts (WECs). In cattle under 18 months of age, WECs provide a good indicator of infection levels, correlating well with Barber’s pole worm burdens and showing a moderate association with small intestinal worms. The correlation is weaker, however, for small brown stomach worms.
In cattle older than 18 months, interpreting WEC results becomes more complex and must be considered alongside a range of factors, including nutrition, physiological stress (such as pregnancy and lactation) and environmental conditions. Identifying burdens in older cattle requires a higher level of expertise and is best undertaken by a veterinarian or animal health advisor.
If an on-farm visit isn’t practical, samples can be sent away for testing. The NSW DPI website provides an extensive list of parasitology tests, including requirements and associated costs — a useful starting point for producers looking to understand their current situation. Once the burden on-farm is understood, a management plan can be developed. This plan should be tailored to your production system, local environment and seasonal conditions. Your local vet or animal health advisor will be well placed to help you put this together.
Current studies estimate the annual cost of internal parasites in cattle at $93.6 million, with the majority of this attributed to lost production — particularly where disease is subclinical and shows no obvious signs. It’s a reminder that a simple test could make a significant difference to the productivity and profitability of your operation.
