Farmers have a lot to think about if they want to ensure their animals are healthy. As heatwaves become more common in the UK, it is important to look at the impact they have. New research supports this, finding that they can massively increase parasite burden and the potential spread of disease. As a result, it may require action from farmers, potentially even wormer application in some cases.

The timing of the research couldn’t be better because the UK just had two heatwaves in quick succession. We had a new hottest day of the year on 1st July with the temperature hitting 34.7 Celsius. We also got a new record for the warmest June in history in England, and it was the second hottest in the UK going all the way back to 1884. Parts of Europe were sweltering too, exceeding 40 Celsius and forcing schools to close.

Finding

The researchers from Trinity College in Dublin had a look at how different types of heatwaves can impact parasite burden and pathogen prevalence. They used a popular model involving the water flea and the Ordospora colligata gut parasite. It is the common choice when investigating environmentally transmitted diseases.

An interesting thing here is the researchers made changes to the heatwave attributes, using four different temperatures and four time periods. As a result, they could explore 64 different potential heatwaves varying in temperature and duration.

The headline finding of the study is, if you compare to other temperature variations, heatwaves can alter parasite burden up to 13 fold. As a result, it could mean that treatment is necessary. This may include wormer applications for high risk animals.

Why does it increase?

Heatwaves can increase parasite burden and pathogen prevalence for two key reasons. Firstly, heat can alter biological functions, particularly the immune system. If there is prolonged exposure to higher temperatures than usual, it can damage immune cells. It can also cause problems with inflammation. The impact on immunity can open the door for disease.

A heatwave also has a big impact on behaviour. This can also lead to problems with parasite burden and disease. Crucially, lethargy and lack of movement can increase the risk of encountering parasites. If animals are competing for shade and water because it is hot, the increase in interactions also means a higher chance of infection.

What next?

The research shows how important it is to consider heatwaves and the impact of fluctuating temperatures. In most cases models use averages, but they can be too simple today. As a result, we could learn more about parasite behaviour and disease by using models with a range of temperatures.

Do you need to order wormer?

Farmers in the UK need to be careful with wormers. They are fantastic for treating worms in different animals, including sheep and cattle. However, using them incorrectly reduces the effectiveness. That is why farms in most areas are now dealing with resistance issues.

An important thing to think about here is if heatwaves have increased the parasite burden in herds. If so, a wormer treatment may be necessary. Before rushing in though, it is best to do FEC tests to see if there has been an increase in worms. Getting advice from a vet is wise too.

If you think you need wormers, JS Hubbuck Ltd can help. We have a selection of them and fantastic product knowledge. The latter is crucial because it means we can advise you about using them effectively to reduce the risk of resistance and serious problems. Contact us if you have any questions.