Annual Parasite Control Planning Calendar
This calendar provides a framework for timing parasite control activities throughout the year. Adjust specific dates based on your location, climate, and veterinary recommendations.
January
Internal Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Monitor body condition | Parasites burden may be impacting winter performance |
| 3-4 | Plan spring deworming strategy | Review last year's FECRT results |
External Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Monitor for lice | Check cattle showing rubbing, hair loss |
| 1-4 | Retreat for lice if needed | Especially if fall treatment efficacy was poor |
Records & Planning
- Review previous year's parasite control costs and outcomes
- Order deworming products for spring
- Schedule FECRT if planning resistance testing
February
Internal Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Continue body condition monitoring | |
| 3-4 | Prepare for spring turnout | Plan which pastures are "clean" |
External Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Continue lice monitoring | Peak lice populations often late winter |
| 3-4 | Treat for lice if populations high | Before spring shedding |
Records & Planning
- Identify most susceptible animals for targeted treatment
- Plan pasture rotation for parasite management
- Check dewormer inventory and expiration dates
March
Internal Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Collect fecal samples | Pre-turnout baseline FEC |
| 3-4 | Strategic deworming | Based on FEC results, not calendar |
External Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Final lice treatment if needed | |
| 3-4 | Begin watching for first flies | Varies by region/weather |
Records & Planning
- Record pre-turnout FEC results
- Set up back rubbers and dust bags
- Prepare fly control equipment
April
Internal Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Begin clean pasture rotation | Put young stock on cleanest pastures |
External Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Monitor fly emergence | Watch for first horn flies |
| 3-4 | Begin fly counting | Weekly counts to track buildup |
Feed-Through Products
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Start IGR mineral | Begin 30 days before anticipated fly season |
Records & Planning
- Record date of first fly observation
- Note pastures grazed and rotation sequence
- Ensure back rubbers/dust bags are charged and positioned
May
Internal Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Continue rotation strategy | Don't overgraze; keeps cattle from grazing low where larvae are |
External Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Continue fly monitoring | Count flies weekly |
| 3-4 | Apply ear tags when threshold reached | 200+ flies per animal |
Actions When Tags Applied
- Record tag application date
- Record tag product/lot numbers
- Calculate anticipated tag removal date
June
Internal Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Mid-season FEC check | Sample young stock |
External Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Peak fly season begins | Monitor tag effectiveness |
| 1-4 | Check tick burden | Treat if heavy infestation |
Summer Heat Considerations
- Ensure adequate water (parasites + heat = increased water needs)
- Monitor for face fly/pinkeye issues
- Watch for anaplasmosis signs in tick-heavy areas
July
Internal Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Hot/dry conditions favor you | Larvae die quickly on hot, dry pastures |
External Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Maintain fly control | Recharge back rubbers/dust bags |
| 1-4 | Monitor tag effectiveness | Early failure = resistance |
Summer Management
- Clean up stable fly breeding areas (old hay, manure accumulation)
- Maintain dust bag/back rubber supplies
- Check animals under trees for tick accumulation
August
Internal Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Monitor for mid-summer buildup | If moisture returns |
| 3-4 | FEC check if concerned |
External Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Continue fly control | May need pour-on supplement if tags weakening |
| 1-4 | Watch for late-season tick activity |
Pre-Weaning Planning
- Schedule fall working for vaccines AND parasite control
- Order fall deworming products
- Plan pre-weaning calf treatments
September
Internal Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Pre-weaning FEC on calves | |
| 3-4 | Strategic deworming at weaning | Based on FEC, not calendar |
External Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Fly populations declining | |
| 3-4 | Remove ear tags | Don't leave in overwinter (resistance) |
Fall Actions
- Record ear tag removal date
- Collect FEC samples at weaning
- Evaluate fly control program effectiveness
October
Internal Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Fall strategic deworming | Reduces overwintering larvae |
| 3-4 | Monitor treatment response | FEC 14 days post-treatment |
External Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | End of fly season | Clean and store fly control equipment |
| 3-4 | Watch for early lice |
Fall Planning
- Conduct FECRT if resistance suspected
- Record fall deworming products and results
- Plan winter parasite monitoring
November
Internal Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Minimal new infection | Cold temps stop larval development |
External Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Apply fall lice treatment | Treat before populations build |
| 3-4 | Treat entire herd simultaneously |
End of Season Review
- Calculate year's parasite control costs
- Evaluate control effectiveness
- Note any resistance concerns
December
Internal Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Monitor body condition |
External Parasites
| Week | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Monitor lice response to treatment | Retreat in 2-3 weeks if needed |
| 1-4 | Watch for chorioptic mange |
Annual Review
- Complete annual parasite control assessment
- Plan next year's program with veterinarian
- Update control calendar for next year
Quick Reference: When to Act
Internal Parasites
| Indicator | Action |
|---|---|
| FEC >200-300 EPG | Consider treatment for that animal |
| Herd average FEC rising | Review grazing management |
| Clinical signs (bottle jaw, poor condition) | Immediate treatment needed |
| FECRT <90% | Resistance, switch dewormer class |
External Parasites
| Indicator | Action |
|---|---|
| Horn flies >200/head | Treat |
| Ear tags lasting <8 weeks | Resistance likely, rotate class next year |
| Lice visible/hair loss | Treat entire group |
| Heavy tick burden | Treat and manage habitat |
Regional Timing Adjustments
The Southeast tends to see flies emerge earlier (around April) and longer fly seasons overall. Year-round tick pressure is possible, and internal parasite loads tend to run higher than other parts of the country.
Dry Southwest
The shorter fly season and hot, dry summers work in your favor by reducing internal parasite pressure. Tick problems concentrate in riparian areas. Plan to adjust timing 2-4 weeks later than what this calendar shows.Northern States
Flies emerge later, usually May or June, and the fly season wraps up sooner. Winter does kill off more parasites. Adjust timing 4-6 weeks later than calendar.Texas (Varies by Region)
East Texas looks a lot like the Southeast. Hill Country falls somewhere in between. West Texas lines up closer to the Southwest pattern, while the Gulf Coast can see year-round parasite pressure.Monthly Task Summary Checklist
| Month | Internal Parasites | External Parasites | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Monitor BCS | Lice check/treat | Review year |
| Feb | Plan spring | Continue lice | Order products |
| Mar | Pre-turnout FEC | Set up fly equipment | Record FEC |
| Apr | Start rotation | Monitor flies | Note fly emergence |
| May | Continue rotation | Tags when threshold | Record tag date |
| Jun | Mid-season FEC | Monitor tags | Record FEC |
| Jul | Hot weather helps | Maintain equipment | Monitor resistance |
| Aug | Watch for buildup | Supplement if needed | Plan fall |
| Sep | Weaning FEC | Remove tags | Record removal |
| Oct | Strategic deworm | Clean equipment | FECRT if needed |
| Nov | Minimal concern | Fall lice treatment | Calculate costs |
| Dec | Monitor BCS | Monitor lice | Annual review |
