25/06/2026
☀️Summer Livestock Health: Are Your Animals Prepared for the Heat? ☀️
With warmer weather finally here, many of our livestock are making the most of grazing and longer days outdoors. While summer brings plenty of benefits, it also presents several health challenges that farmers should keep on their radar.
HEAT STRESS
Although we don't often associate the UK with extreme heat, periods of hot weather can significantly impact cattle and sheep. Heat stress can reduce feed intake, growth rates, fertility, and milk production.
Watch for:
🐑Increased breathing rates and panting
🐮Gathering around water sources
🐑Reduced grazing activity
🐮Excessive salivation
Ensure animals have access to plenty of clean drinking water and adequate shade wherever possible.
FLY CONTROL
Fly populations can increase rapidly during warm weather, causing irritation, reduced productivity, and flystrike.
Regular monitoring and an effective fly control programme can help minimise problems. Please keep an eye out for
🪰Agitation such as foot stamping or nibbling at the body
🪰Matted, wet, or foul-smelling wool or characteristic green patches where larvae are feeding
🪰Loss of appetite and lethargy
🪰Early detection is critical, as flystrike can become fatal within days.
PARASITE CHALLENGES
Summer conditions are ideal for many internal and external parasites. Worm burdens can build quickly in grazing animals, particularly lambs and calves.
Signs to look out for include:
🪱Poor growth rates
🪱Weight loss
🪱Scouring
🪱Reduced appetite
Targeted parasite control based on testing and veterinary advice remains the most effective approach.
PNEUMONIA
While we often think of respiratory disease as a winter problem, youngstock can still develop pneumonia during summer, especially where ventilation is poor or weather conditions fluctuate.
Regular observation and early intervention are key to successful treatment.
PLAN AHEAD
Summer is an excellent time to review herd and flock health plans, discuss parasite control strategies, and prepare for breeding or autumn management decisions.
If you'd like to discuss any livestock health concerns or arrange a herd or flock health review, please get in touch.
