Parasite infestation in organic cattle

Sponsors / Partners

The Swiss Federal Veterinary Office, the Pfizer Company and Schweizer Tierschutz (STS), the Swiss animal welfare association.

Purpose

To document the extent of parasite problems in cattle on organic Swiss farms.

Methods

After an initial survey of cattle farmers, rectal fecal and blood samples were taken from 34 farms (ten dairy cows and ten store cattle per farm) and housing and pasture management was recorded. The degree and type of infestation was assessed using a microscope.

Results

Animals rarely exhibited symptoms of parasite infestation while gastro-intestinal worms appeared more frequently in valley cattle than those in mountain holdings. Immunity to the parasites increases with age.

Project Duration

Sampling was conducted in 2000-2001.