The species involved
The cattle hookworm is Bunostomum phlebotomum, a blood feeder of the small intestine. It typically appears alongside other gut nematodes such as Ostertagia and Cooperia.
How cattle get infected
- Grazing larvae from contaminated pasture
- Larvae penetrating the skin of the lower legs
- Highest in young, first-season grazing calves
Signs to watch for
Anemia, weight loss or poor weight gain, rough coat, diarrhea, and foot stamping or itching where larvae penetrate the skin. Calves are affected most.
Treatment & control
Broad-spectrum dewormers including fenbendazole control hookworms and the wider nematode burden. Time treatments to the grazing season and use fecal egg counts to target them; pasture rotation reduces larval challenge.
Confirm with your vet. Species, age and weight all change the right product and dose. Use this guide to understand the problem, then let your veterinarian tailor the plan.
The right dewormer for cattle
Primacur's broad-spectrum fenbendazole suspension is formulated for dogs, cats, horses and livestock.