Parasite Control – Barber Pole Worm

The Barber Pole Worm, or Haemonchus contortus, is one of the most dangerous parasites for goats, causing anemia, weight loss, and potentially death. This lesson provides detailed strategies for preventing, diagnosing, and treating Barber Pole Worm infestations to protect your herd.

1. Understanding the Barber Pole Worm

• Key Facts:
  • Commonly referred to as stomach worm.
  • Lives in the stomach of goats, feeding on blood, which leads to anemia.
  • Thrives in warm, wet conditions, making it particularly challenging in southern regions.
  • Reproduces rapidly, leading to severe infestations if left unchecked.

---

2. Prevention Strategies

• Pasture Management:
  • Keep grass taller than 4 inches to reduce larvae ingestion; larvae climb up shorter blades.
  • Rotate pastures and leave them fallow for at least 30 days to disrupt the parasite lifecycle.
  • Avoid overgrazing, as it increases the risk of reinfection.
• Dry Lot Management:
  • Dry lot systems (no pasture grazing) can reduce but not eliminate worm exposure. Regular cleaning is essential.
  • In southern climates, dry lots can still harbor parasites due to the lack of freezing temperatures to kill larvae.

---

3. Diagnosing Barber Pole Worm

• Testing:
  • Conduct fecal tests 2–3 times a year or as needed to monitor parasite load.
  • Submit samples to labs like Mid America Labs to identify and quantify the types of parasites present.
  • Focus on at-risk goats, such as juveniles, seniors, or those showing symptoms (e.g., poor coat quality, weight loss, diarrhea).
• FAMACHA Scoring:
  • Evaluate eyelid color to check for anemia:
    • Bright pink/red: Healthy.
    • Pale pink: Moderate anemia; consider treatment.
    • White or very pale: Severe anemia; treatment required immediately.
  • Use FAMACHA cards for accurate color comparison.

---

4. Treatment

• Selective Deworming:
  • Treat only goats with significant parasite loads or anemia to avoid creating drug-resistant worms.
  • Never deworm the entire herd unless absolutely necessary.
• Deworming Protocol:
  • Use two different classes of dewormers simultaneously for effectiveness.
    • Examples: Albendazole (Valbazen), Ivermectin, and Cydectin (moxidectin).
  • Avoid Valbazen in pregnant does, as it can cause abortions.
  • Treatment schedule:
    • Day 1: First dose of dewormers.
    • Day 10: Repeat treatment to target newly hatched larvae.
    • For severe infestations, consider a third dose 10 days later.
  • Retest 10 days after the final treatment to confirm effectiveness.
• Supportive Care:
  • Administer a Multimin injection or other immune-boosting supplements.
  • Ensure high-quality nutrition to support recovery.

---

5. Identifying and Managing Resistant Worms

• Resistance Management:
  • Rotate dewormer classes yearly to prevent resistance.
  • Avoid overuse of dewormers, as this selects for resistant parasites.
  • After treatment, monitor pasture cleanliness to prevent reinfection with resistant larvae.
• Signs of Resistance:
  • No improvement in FAMACHA scores or body condition after deworming.
  • Continued high fecal egg counts post-treatment.

---

6. Monitoring Herd Health

• Regularly observe for:
  • Body condition: Thin goats may indicate parasite issues.
  • Coat quality: Dull, coarse hair can signal poor health.
  • Diarrhea: May indicate intestinal worms.
  • Appetite: Loss of appetite is a red flag.
• Use FAMACHA and fecal testing to guide decisions.

---

7. Final Thoughts

Barber Pole Worm is a serious threat to goat herds but can be managed effectively through pasture rotation, targeted testing, and proper treatment protocols. Remember, prevention and selective deworming are your best tools to maintain a healthy and productive herd. Take the time to test, treat, and monitor appropriately to avoid resistance and long-term herd health problems.

If you’re unsure or need additional resources, seek advice from experienced goat owners or veterinary professionals.