The Barber Pole Parasite: Understanding and Managing the Threat

The Barber Pole Parasite, also known as the stomach worm, is one of the most dangerous parasites affecting goat herds. This lesson focuses on understanding its lifecycle, prevention strategies, testing methods, and effective treatment plans to protect your goats and maintain a healthy herd.

Key Points:

1. What is the Barber Pole Parasite?
   • A stomach worm scientifically known as Haemonchus contortus.
   • A top killer of goats, it thrives in wet conditions and can cause severe anemia and death if left untreated.
   • Particularly dangerous for goats with weakened immune systems, such as those recently birthing.
2. Symptoms and Signs:
   • Anemia, indicated by pale eyelids (assessed using the Famacha test).
   • Poor body condition, weight loss, diarrhea, and reduced coat quality.
   • High worm loads can overwhelm a goat’s immune system, especially if they repeatedly graze on infected pastures.
3. Prevention and Pasture Management:
   • Pasture Height: Keep grass no shorter than 4 inches to prevent larvae ingestion.
   • Watering Practices: Water deeply once a week rather than frequent light watering to reduce damp conditions that help larvae thrive.
   • Rotation: Rotate pastures regularly and leave them goat-free for at least a month to break the parasite lifecycle.
   • Overcrowding and overgrazing can increase worm burdens, so maintain appropriate stocking densities.
4. Testing for Parasites:
   • Test 2–3 times a year, focusing on young, old, or at-risk goats.
   • Collect fresh fecal samples and send them to a lab, such as Mid-Amer, for analysis.
   • Test specific goats showing signs of illness (thinness, poor coat, pale eyelids) and a sample of healthy goats for comparison.
5. The Famacha Test:
   • A simple method to assess anemia by checking the color of a goat’s eyelids.
   • Red/pink indicates good health, while pale/white requires immediate treatment.
   • Use Famacha cards for accurate color comparison and keep them stored away from sunlight to prevent fading.
6. Treatment Strategies:
   • Use a combination of two dewormers (e.g., Albendazole, Ivermectin, or Cydectin) at full dosages.
   • Treatment schedule:
     • Day 1: Initial treatment.
     • Day 10: Repeat treatment.
     • Day 20 (optional for severe cases): Additional treatment.
   • Retest after treatment to ensure parasite load has decreased.
7. Special Considerations:
   • Avoid using Albendazole on pregnant does, as it can cause abortions.
   • Treat only the goats that need it, based on testing and Famacha scores, to avoid building resistance in worms.
   • Focus on boosting immune systems through proper nutrition and care.
8. The Importance of Monitoring:
   • Regular testing helps prevent worm outbreaks and identifies goats with high parasite loads before symptoms worsen.
   • Testing is cost-effective (around $7 per goat) and involves simple sample collection.
   • Monitor overall herd health, looking for signs of improvement in body condition, coat quality, and energy levels.

Summary

The Barber Pole Parasite is a serious threat to goat herds, but with diligent management, testing, and targeted treatment, its impact can be minimized. By implementing proper pasture rotation, maintaining healthy environments, and using effective deworming strategies, you can safeguard your goats from this deadly parasite and ensure a thriving, healthy herd.