These photos are in part collected here for my own records, but I hope they can also be educational when others are pondering the changes they may see between chick fluff and adult feathers. They grow up so quickly...
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Born on St. Paddy's Day, I was very tempted to keep this little one, my first successful 2020 hatchling.
LEARN ABOUT SHETLANDS
and the care and breeding of sheep
Barber's Pole Worm in Sheep
Identifying & Managing Haemonchus contortus in Your Flock
Andrea deCarlo
Barber's Pole Worm (Haemonchus contortus, sometimes referred to as Barber Pole Worm) is one of the most significant internal parasites affecting sheep worldwide. Known for its blood-feeding behavior, this nematode can cause severe anemia, weakness, and even death in infected animals. Understanding its life cycle, symptoms, and effective treatment strategies is crucial for maintaining a healthy flock.
History and Distribution of Barber Pole Worm
The Barber Pole Worm is a gastrointestinal parasite that primarily infects small ruminants, particularly sheep and goats. Originally prevalent in warm and humid climates, it has spread globally due to changing farming practices and climate conditions. It thrives in pastures where moisture and temperature favor larval development.
Life Cycle and Pathology of Haemonchus Contortus
The life cycle of Haemonchus contortus consists of several stages:
Eggs are passed in the feces of infected sheep.
Larvae hatch and develop in the environment, becoming infective within a few days.
Sheep ingest the infective larvae while grazing.
Larvae mature into adult worms in the abomasum (fourth stomach), where they attach to the stomach lining and feed on blood.
The damage caused by Barber Pole Worm infestation includes severe blood loss, leading to anemia, decreased productivity, and mortality if untreated.
Identifying Infected Sheep
Symptoms of Barber Pole Worm infestation include:
Pale mucous membranes: A hallmark sign of anemia, visible in the gums and inner eyelids.
Bottle Jaw (Submandibular Edema): Fluid accumulation under the jaw due to protein loss.
Weakness and Lethargy: Reduced energy levels and reluctance to move.
Weight Loss and Poor Growth: Due to decreased nutrient absorption.
Dark, Tarry Diarrhea (Less Common): Unlike other parasitic infections, diarrhea is not always present.
Diagnosis of Barber Pole Worm in Sheep
Accurate diagnosis involves:
FAMACHA Scoring: A widely used method assessing anemia severity based on eyelid color.
Fecal Egg Count (FEC): Laboratory examination to quantify worm burden.
Post-Mortem Examination: Identification of worms in the abomasum in severe cases.
Treatment & Control of Barber Pole Worm in Your Flock
Managing Barber Pole Worm infestations requires an integrated approach:
Anthelmintic Treatment
Use targeted deworming strategies rather than mass treatments to prevent resistance.
Rotate different classes of dewormers (benzimidazoles, macrocyclic lactones, and imidazothiazoles).
Conduct fecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT) to monitor drug efficacy.
Pasture Management
Implement rotational grazing to reduce worm exposure.
Avoid overgrazing, as it increases ingestion of infective larvae.
Genetic Selection
Select sheep with natural resistance to parasites through selective breeding programs.
Nutritional Support
Ensure adequate protein and mineral intake to boost immunity.
Barber Pole Worm infestation remains a major health challenge for sheep farmers. Early identification, strategic deworming, and sound pasture management are essential for control and prevention. By implementing sustainable parasite management strategies, farmers can protect their flocks from the severe consequences of Haemonchus contortus infection.