Merial warns of health risk posed by lungworm

Merial Animal Health has moved to raise awareness among UK farmers over the health risk that lungworm poses to livestock during the summer months.

Fiona MacGillivray, Merial’s technical veterinary manager, has highlighted the fact that the first cases in seasonal lungworm outbreaks are typically reported in July.

She stated that the condition can cause severe health difficulties among animals, which can decrease milk yields in dairy cows, while many sensitive cattle may experience sudden death.

Ms MacGillivray therefore stated that it is important for the farming industry to put measures in place to deal with potential outbreaks.

She said: “It’s important to understand the disease, be aware of the symptoms and know how to deal with it.”

Last month, Merial launched Gripovac3 in the UK, a new vaccine treatment for several common strains of swine influenza.

It stated that such treatments are necessary due to the continuing impact of the disease on UK businesses.