Types of parasites in cows and calves and treatment methods

Cows and calves have several main types of parasites, and they are divided into internal parasites (in the intestines, lungs, liver) and external parasites (on the skin).

1. Internal parasites (worms and protozoa)

Intestinal worms (nematodes)

Very common in young calves, causing:

* Diarrhea

* Weight loss

* Loss of appetite

* Rough coat/hair

* Anemia and weakness

Examples:

Haemonchus contortus

Ostertagia ostertagi

Cooperia

Treatment:

* Deworming with medications such as ivermectin, doramectin, albendazole (as recommended by a veterinarian)

* Pasture rotation and pasture load management

* Periodic fecal testing

Lungworms

Cause:

* Coughing

* Heavy breathing

* Reduced growth

* Sometimes pneumonia

Example:

* Dictyocaulus viviparus

Treatment:

* Appropriate deworming

* Isolation and prompt treatment in severe cases

Liver fluke (Fasciola)

Damages the liver and causes:

* Severe weight loss

* Edema

* Weakness

* Decreased milk yield

Example:

* Fasciola hepatica

Treatment:

* Specific medications (not all regular deworming works)

* Treatment of water sources and snails in an infected area

Coccidia (single-celled parasite)

Very common in calves.

Example:

* Eimeria

Signs:

* Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)

* Weakness

* Dehydration

* Growth retardation

Treatment:

* Anticoccidial drugs

* Cleanliness and dryness in the barn

2. External Parasites

Ticks

Example:

* Tick

Causes:

* Anemia

* Itching

* Transmission of bloodborne diseases

Treatment:

* Pesticide baths / pour-on

* Spraying

* Environmental treatment

Lice

Example:

* Louse

Symptoms:

* Itching

* Hair loss

* Decreased body condition

Treatment:

* External preparations

* Treatment for the entire herd and not just one animal

Scabies / mites

Example:

* Mite

Causes:

* Thickened skin

* Severe itching

* Baldness

Treatment:

* Specific veterinary treatment

* Isolation if necessary

How do you prevent parasites?

* Deworming according to a fixed schedule (not just “on the blind”)

* Fecal tests

* Dry cleaning in the wagon

* Prevention of crowding

* Grazing rotation

* Flies and ticks

In young calves, the most common are usually coccidia and intestinal worms, while in mature cows, liverworms, intestinal worms and ticks are more common problems

*It is always advisable to consult a qualified veterinarian.