Unusual weather seen throughout much of the UK this summer has played havoc with pasture management for many, and surveillance around the country reveals that pasture-hosted parasite numbers are worryingly high.

With June an early July being the warmest months, the past summer has also seen huge amounts of rainfall, making it the sixth wettest since 1910, with the unsettled warm, wet weather leading to some vet practices warning of an above average autumn coccidiosis threat.

“Coccidiosis, is primarily viewed as a spring problem, most commonly associated with intensive production systems,” says vet Leanne Forde of Bishopton Vets, part of the XL Vet Group.

“But warm, wet weather provides ideal conditions for Eimeria zuernii, Eimeria bovis and Eimeria alabamensis, the oocysts responsible for coccidiosis outbreaks in the UK, and wet areas around feed or water troughs are where contamination can build up.”

She added that pasture rotation, good hygiene, minimising stresses and diligent checking of stock are advised in the face of the above average challenge.

“Calves up to six months of age can be affected and clinical signs are diarrhoea, dysentery, dehydration, weight loss and anorexia; individual animals may also show a hunched shape when standing.”

Breaking the cycle of infection is the only way to beat the disease, with many vets recommending the strategic use of toltrazuril (Tolracol® ) in herds with a known coccidiosis problem.

“Tolracol can be used to prevent the clinical signs of coccidiosis and it also reduces oocyst shedding so having an impact on pasture infestation, and therefore, threat levels. It is better to treat coccidiosis before the calves start to show signs” she says.

Tolracol can be used in herds with a confirmed history of coccidiosis caused by Eimeria zuernii, Eimeria bovis and Eimeria alabamensis. These tests can easily be carried out by your vet practice and some vets also offer a subsidised testing scheme.