[Dictyocaulus viviparus in Denmark. A survey of 15 years' diagnostic examination of faeces samples (author's transl)].

On the basis of routine diagnostic examinations of 12424 bovine faeces samples for larvae of Dictyocaulus viviparus, performed during the period 1963 through 1977, some calculations and reflections have been made on the incidence and epidemiology of lungworm infection in cattle in Denmark. It seems justified to conclude that dictyocaulosis is an important disease in heifers and cows as well as in calves. A distinct seasonal variation in the incidence of lungworm infection is apparent, in that more than 85% of the faeces samples were submitted within the period July through October. Lungworm larvae could be demonstrated in faeces samples from cattle during the winter and spring- This is considered to be of great importance with a view to re-establishment of the infection in the following grazing season. Overwintering of larvae on pastures seems possible. too, since patent infections among calves were demonstrated already in May and June. A comparison of meteorological data with totals of samples submitted and with relative numbers of positive samples seems to confirm, that both the level and the spread of lungworm infections are influenced by the amount of rainfall during the period June through August.