What parasites should dairy producers be on the lookout for during winter months?

Cold weather may slow down pests, but parasites are a different story.

Veterinarians say now is not the time to let up the gas on deworming.

“So, as we move into the winter season, the key external parasites that dairy producers need to be on the lookout for are lice and mange mites. The lice that we worry about, there’s biting lice and sucking lice. The biting lice tend to feed on debris, skin, hair, and secretions that are on the skin’s surface, whereas those sucking lice can attach to the cow and feed on blood. The mange mites typically will live around the tail head and the hindquarters. The one that will see most often, particularly in dairy cattle, is chorioptic mange, and we also sarcoptic mange that can be a bit more severe, but it’s far less common than chorioptic,” said Dr. Jennifer Roberts, a professional services veterinarian with Boehringer-Ingelheim.

Roberts says whatever the parasite may be, they all will have an impact on your bottom line.

Related Stories
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins plans a farm visit in Missouri, hinting at a possible fertilizer relief announcement on RFD-TV earlier this week. USDA also restructures its research infrastructure and launches new food-safety centers.
Dry conditions have severely impacted key winter wheat states with persistent moisture deficits. As quality declines, analysts warn some crops may be lost despite upcoming rain.
Rising ethanol stocks and softer gasoline demand bear watching, but stronger blending activity and exports offered some support.
Rising poultry supply is pressuring prices despite steady demand.
As part of this effort, USDA will establish a new National Food Safety Center (NFSC) in Urbandale, Iowa, which will serve as the primary hub for FSIS administrative, technical, and support operations.
Brazil’s ethanol growth could shift the corn trade.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Jose de Jesus explains the National Pork Board’s new campaign, “Taste What Pork Can Do,” which aims to build long-term engagement with Millennial and Gen-Z consumers.
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen highlights the legal challenges surrounding stray voltage, a recent court decision, and what it means for agricultural producers.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins shared a behind-the-scenes look at the journey as part of what’s being called the “Great American Egg Road Trip.”
Rising costs are significantly extending walnut profitability timelines.