Acquiring and eliminating internal parasites

These parasitic organisms, such as nematodes (commonly known as roundworms), trematodes (such as liver fluke), or lungworms, develop in the environment and are consumed by cattle when grazing.

Parasites have eggs that are passed in the cow’s manure. These eggs hatch into larvae (baby parasites) that live in the grass. When cattle eat the grass, they swallow the larvae.

Internal parasites rob cattle of nutrients. This means the cattle can’t grow properly, produce less meat, and may be more likely to get sick.

Young cattle are particularly vulnerable because they haven’t built up resistance yet.

Farmers use worming medicines (anthelmintics) to treat and prevent parasites.

They also manage grazing, such as rotating fields, to reduce the risk of infection.