How to Prevent Barber Pole Worms to Stick to Sheep?
Barber pole worms stick to sheep and goats that is why we say they require proper care than other animals. Barber pole worms are mainly present in the lining of the stomach of goats or sheep. It also causes them to bleed as they consume the blood of the animals. So, in order to feed themselves, they constantly cut the tissues of the stomach to release blood.
Thus, it is best to get the FAMACHA test done after buying them from Australian Dorper Sheep exporters. Barber pole worms are bad to their health as it can cause anemia in the animals. So, what is all about the FAMACHA test?
FAMACHA test:
It is basically a scorecard numbered from 1-5 and given colored swatches. Basically when the test is done by bringing the card to the inner eyelid of the animal to know about the cause. If they are anemic, they will have pale eyelid membranes and the card will show lighter color shade i.e 4 or 5. While, if the sheep-like Australian Dorper Sheep is not anemic, it will have dark pink or red eyelid membranes and the FAMACHA card will score it low i.e 1 or 2.
What needs to be done if the animals score high on the scorecard?
If we say the Dorper sheep that you have brought from Australian Dorper Sheep exporters score high on the card must be de-wormed directly as it has the capacity to kill an animal. Over-worming animals are untreatable with normal medications.
The best measure to prevent your sheep/goats from Barber pole:
There are a few ways that can reduce barber pole worms. All you need to do is after importing the Australian Dorper Sheep or other goats and sheep breeds and bringing them to your farm you must perform FAMACHA test on them. It will be great at you will put them on-farm after treating them to prevent other breeds of sheep and goats.
When it comes to other livestock such as cattle or horses, then you don’t need to worry as Barber pole worms can't survive in the larger animals and hence they die.
Also, you must also watch the animals carefully as the worm does not cause any other symptoms than anemia. So check your animals occasionally, especially when it comes to summer grazing months. If you have a doubt just consult your veterinarian and make sure the animals are safe.
