26th August 2014
The warm summer followed by recent episodes of rain may be mean a significant risk of Haemonchosis occurring in sheep and goats in the coming weeks warns AHVLA. Diagnoses of this condition usually peak in the third quarter of the year, but they have already recorded 9 incidents to date in 2014.
Symptoms are weight loss and lethargy without diarrhoea which can easily catch people out. Subcutaneous oedema (bottle jaw) and pale mucous membranes (around the eyes, gums etc.)may also be seen because anaemia is a major part of the condition as the worms take huge amounts of blood from the gut wall.
Diagnosis can be made by worm egg counts on faeces and differential staining of Haemonchusspp eggs or at post mortem examination. Both adults and youngstock can beaffected. Farmers are urged to seek Veterinary advice quickly if they are concerned about any class of stock.
Effective anthelmintics or the use of certain flukicides that also act against Haemonchuscontortus should be advised following diagnosis, to all at risk of disease. See SCOPS leaflet attached for details of products. The pasture is also likely to be heavily contaminated with the parasite so avoiding action should be taken if possible.
