BARBER\u2019s pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) is the most important parasite to be aware of in sheep during the summer\/autumn rainfall season.
\nIt won\u2019t be surprising if we see outbreaks of disease due to Barber\u2019s pole worm with the warm, moist conditions that we experienced in February.
\nDepartment of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) district Barber\u2019s pole worms live in the abomasum (the fourth stomach) of sheep and the worm gets its name because wound around the gut is the white ovary, packed with hundreds of eggs, and the gut of the worm is red, as it is full of blood.
\n\u201cThis red and white spiral effect gives the worm its name as it looks like the classic barber\u2019s pole,\u201d Dr leading rapidly to a heavy pasture contamination.
\n\u201cDuring warm, moist conditions these eggs hatch into larvae and are eaten by sheep during grazing.
\n\u201cLike other internal parasites, Barber\u2019s pole worms mainly affect weaners and lactating ewes. Barber\u2019s pole worms feed by sucking blood, leading to anaemia and \u2018bottle jaw\u2019 but not necessarily weight loss or diarrhoea.\u201d
\nJust 1,000 adult Barber\u2019s pole worms can remove Barber\u2019s pole worm outbreaks can lead to high mortalities in a short space of time.
\nThe best way to be sure worm control programs are working is to conduct faecal egg counts.
\nAs with other internal parasites, drench resistance to Barber\u2019s pole worm is becoming increasingly common.
\nFor more information, contact your local veterinarian or DEDJTR Veterinary or animal health<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BARBER\u2019s pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) is the most important parasite to be aware of in sheep during the summer\/autumn rainfall season. It won\u2019t be surprising if we see outbreaks of disease due to Barber\u2019s pole worm with the warm, moist conditions that we experienced in February. Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) […]<\/p>\n