Warming temperatures across much of the UK could cause serious concerns for livestock producers in the coming month.

According to the latest parasite report from NADIS, temperatures rising above 10 °C could see a risk of Namatodiris, predominantly through May and June but into July further north.

Pastures which stocked lambs last spring and early summer are at higher risk than those which didn’t and infection is likely to occur predominantly in lambs under twelve weeks of age.

Lambs should be treated with a white wormer recommended for nematodiris, the report reckoned but producers should note that pasture is considered to remain risky for 6 to 8 weeks after eggs hatch.

Another parasite producers should watch out for this month is the development of blowfly. While shearing is underway in some parts of the country, a poor winter will have left many ewes needing ‘crutched’ or ‘dagged’ out. Prevention is easy with a simple pour on product or dip but if it’s not addressed, serious effects on ewe health may occur not to mention a significant loss of condition.

And its not just sheep either with warnings out for cattle too. Nematodes could become problematic during June with susceptible calves (such as dairy calves at grass for the first time or autumn born suckled calves) on contaminated grazing could be passing eggs. This will build up infection on the pasture unless suppressive anthelmintic regimes are in place, the report said.

‘Spring-born suckled calves will not build up the pasture infection, so most overwintered larvae will die off by midsummer leading to a low risk of summer,’ it added.

Lungworm disease may also start to appear from June onwards in unvaccinated calves and naïve adults. Any wetter weather conditions will favour the spread of the parasite.