Gutworm costing UK dairy farmers over £314m

New figures released by Merial Animal Health show that reduced milk yield caused by gutworm is costing UK dairy farmers over £314 million a year.

The data comes from five years of bulk milk tests, known as MOO tests, submitted to the QMMS for diagnosis and which are supported by Merial Animal Health. From 2009 to 2013 inclusive, 790 dairy herds across the UK have been tested and their level of gutworm challenge recorded. The MOO test measures the level of antibodies to gutworm in the milk – to assess the level of challenge to the cows. A ‘high’ result indicates the herd should be treated to remove gutworm.

“With margins ever tighter, a drop in milk yield and subsequent reduction in income is a serious threat to dairy farmers,” says Victoria Hudson, Brand Manager for Merial Animal Health. “Numerous studies have shown that gutworm has a damaging effect on milk production. Treating cows which have been infected with gutworm can increase milk yields by up to 2.6 litres per cow per day - over a 305 day lactation period that really adds up.”

Analysis of the latest figures indicates that on average 88.86% of the UK’s dairy herd are subject to a high gutworm challenge, putting over 1.6 million cows at risk from under-performance and costing farmers over £314 million in lost profit.

Individually Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland fare even worse, with 93.92% of Welsh herds subject to a high challenge and missing out on an additional £41.2 million of profit, Scottish herds 96.55% (£34.4 million) and Northern Irish herds 100% (£55.9 million). In England the figure was slightly lower, with an average of 86.43% herds affected, with English dairy farmers losing out on an additional £189 million.

“Gutworm infection does not usually result in clinical signs such as scouring – so it can be difficult for farmers to know whether cows are infected,” Ms Hudson continues. “MOO tests give an indication of gutworm challenge at a herd level, so farmers can make an informed decision on treatment.

Farmers who would like to arrange a MOO test should contact their vet or local animal health distributor for more details.