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
Common Parasites in Sheep
Identification, Effects, and Management
Andrea deCarlo
Sheep, like all livestock, are susceptible to a variety of internal and external parasites. These parasites can cause significant health issues, impacting productivity, wool quality, and overall well-being. Effective parasite management is essential for maintaining a healthy flock. This article explores the most common parasites affecting sheep, their effects, and best practices for control and prevention.
Internal Parasites Affecting Sheep
Gastrointestinal Nematodes (Worms)
Haemonchus contortus (Barber’s Pole Worm): A blood-sucking parasite that causes anemia, weakness, and bottle jaw.
Trichostrongylus spp.: These worms affect the intestines, leading to diarrhea and weight loss.
Ostertagia spp.: These parasites damage the stomach lining, reducing nutrient absorption.
Liver Flukes
Fasciola hepatica
Liver flukes cause liver damage, weight loss, anemia, and reduced fertility. They are transmitted through snails in wet pastures.
Lungworms
Dictyocaulus filaria
These worms affect the respiratory system, leading to coughing, pneumonia, and reduced growth rates.
Coccidia
Eimeria spp.
Coccidia are protozoan parasites that cause coccidiosis, leading to diarrhea, dehydration, and poor weight gain in lambs.
External Parasites Affecting Sheep
Sheep Keds
Melophagus ovinus
Wingless flies that cause irritation, wool damage, and anemia.
Lice
Bovicola ovis, Linognathus spp.
Chewing and sucking lice infestations lead to wool loss, irritation, and poor body condition.
Mites
Psoroptes ovis, Sarcoptes spp., Chorioptes spp.
These microscopic parasites cause mange, leading to intense itching, skin thickening, and wool loss.
Ticks
Ixodidae family
Ticks feed on blood and can transmit diseases such as tick-borne fever and anaplasmosis.
Flystrike
Blowflies – Lucilia sericata, Calliphora spp.
Flies lay eggs in damp, soiled wool, and the larvae burrow into the skin, causing severe tissue damage and infection.
Parasite Management & Prevention Strategies
Pasture Rotation: Reduces parasite load by breaking the life cycle of worms.
Deworming Programs: Strategic use of anthelmintics helps control internal parasites.
Shearing and Dipping: Reduces the risk of external parasites like lice and mites.
Good Hygiene and Nutrition: Strengthens sheep’s immune system to resist infections.
Monitoring and Culling: Regular health checks help identify and manage heavily infested individuals.
Parasites pose a serious threat to sheep health and farm productivity. Effective control requires a combination of good husbandry practices, strategic treatments, and continuous monitoring. By implementing comprehensive parasite management strategies, farmers can ensure the well-being and productivity of their flocks.