Parasite treatment for goats
Internal parasites are one of the biggest problems faced by goat owners as they are particularly susceptible to infestation.
The most important parasite to be aware of is called the Barber’s Pole worm. This worm spends its adult life in the 4th stomach of goats, the abomasum, where it sucks blood from the stomach lining and reproduces. The worm produces eggs which are passed in the faeces onto the pasture where re-infestation can occur through ingestion.
Worm management requires a multi-modal approach which generally encompasses chemical drenches, paddock rotation, and stocking density management.
Drenching, the most common form of worm management, means the oral administration of a chemical to kill the worms inside the animal. Using drenches inappropriately and with poor management can quickly lead to drug-resistant worms.
