Common Parasites in Goats

Barber Pole Worm and Other Common Goat Parasites in the Southeast

At Horse-n-Bear Ranch, we’ve been fine-tuning our goats’ treatment for the notorious Barber Pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) and other common parasites. Our journey has taught us valuable lessons about managing these pests and ensuring our herd remains healthy and thriving.

Understanding Barber Pole Worm

The Barber Pole worm is one of the most challenging parasites for goat farmers, especially in the southeastern United States. Named for its red and white striped appearance, this blood-sucking parasite can cause severe anemia and even death in goats if not managed properly. Symptoms of a Barber Pole worm infestation include:

• Pale gums and eyelids
• Weakness and lethargy
• Bottle jaw (swelling under the jaw)
• Weight loss

To combat this parasite, we’ve adopted an integrated approach that includes regular fecal testing, strategic deworming, and pasture management. Here are some strategies that have worked for us:

1. Regular Fecal Testing: By monitoring fecal egg counts, we can identify infestations early and treat them promptly.
2. Rotational Grazing: Moving our goats to fresh pastures regularly helps break the life cycle of the worms.
3. Dewormers: We’ve incorporated herbal dewormers like garlic and pumpkin seeds into our goats’ diets, along with conventional treatments when necessary.
4. FAMACHA Scoring: We use the FAMACHA system to assess anemia levels in our goats. By checking the color of the inner eyelid and comparing it to a FAMACHA chart, we can determine which goats need deworming and monitor the effectiveness of our treatments.

Other Common Goat Parasites

While Barber Pole worm is a significant concern, several other parasites also pose threats to goats in the southeastern United States. Here are a few:

1. Coccidia: These microscopic parasites cause coccidiosis, leading to diarrhea, poor growth, and dehydration, particularly in young kids. Good sanitation and coccidiostats in feed help manage this parasite.
2. Liver Flukes (Fasciola hepatica): Found in wet, marshy areas, liver flukes can cause liver damage and anemia. Grazing management and the use of appropriate flukicides are essential for control.
3. Lungworms (Dictyocaulus spp.): These parasites reside in the lungs, causing coughing, respiratory distress, and reduced weight gain. Regular deworming and avoiding wet, contaminated pastures help prevent lungworm infections.
4. Stomach Worms (Teladorsagia and Trichostrongylus spp.): These worms can cause diarrhea, weight loss, and poor condition. Strategic deworming and rotational grazing are effective control measures.

Our Approach to Parasite Management

Managing parasites in goats requires a comprehensive approach that combines good husbandry practices with targeted treatments. Here’s our strategy:

• Regular Monitoring: We perform regular fecal tests to monitor parasite loads and determine the need for treatment.
• Pasture Management: Rotational grazing and pasture rest periods help reduce parasite burdens.
• Natural Remedies: We use herbal supplements and natural dewormers as part of our integrated pest management plan.
• OTC Medications: We’ll use over-the-counter dewormers and other medications as needed. We’ll talk about this in a more in-depth article.
• Sanitation: Keeping living areas clean and dry minimizes the risk of parasite infections.
• FAMACHA Scoring: By incorporating FAMACHA scoring, we can make informed decisions on which goats need treatment, thereby reducing the risk of developing drug-resistant parasites.

By sharing our experiences, we hope to help other goat farmers in the southeastern United States tackle the challenges of parasite management and keep their herds healthy. Stay tuned for more detailed posts on our specific treatments and success stories!

If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, feel free to leave a comment or contact us directly. Together, we can ensure our goats thrive in a healthy, parasite-free environment.