Pfizer Animal Health recently completed an extensive study to evaluate the immune responsiveness of parasite-infected cattle following treatment with an endectocide, Dectomax.

Calves from nematode-contaminated pastures were evaluated for 53 days. One group was treated with Dectomax Injectable. The second group was untreated.

The treated calves had a .89 lb/day weight gain advantage versus untreated calves. The study also illustrated in non-treated cattle, as abomasal damage increased, the immune cells associated with recognizing and killing viruses decreased. Thus, calves with increased levels of parasites could have greater susceptibility to intracellular viral pathogens such as BRSV or PI3. In addition, these parasite effects can impact the shared cellular immune response and interfere with the vaccination responses for BRSV and PI3.

"This study emphasizes how important it is to have a complete deworming program and one that is timed appropriately with the vaccination program, says Brad Tucker, Pfizer product manager.