Ostertagia ostertagi exposure in dairy cows in the alpine space: implications for region-specific assessments

Marked differences in the exposure of Austrian dairy cattle to O. ostertagi are likely explained by contrasting grazing management between the investigated states and by specific characteristics of each region. No association between increased parasite exposure and milk yield was observed, highlighting the need for region-specific investigations. Small-scale and/or alpine cattle farming with predominantly dual-purpose breeds requires a tailored risk assessment to support sustainable parasite control strategies.