Logo

How can I prevent a worm infection?

Worm infections in goats and sheep can pose a serious health threat. Many animals are currently dewormed preventively to avoid these effects. However, unnecessary deworming is unhealthy and increases the risk of resistance. Fortunately, preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection. In this blog, we explain how to prevent a worm infection.
 

  • Ensure good pasture management
    Proper pasture management is essential to reduce worm pressure. Use rotational grazing and avoid keeping goats and sheep on the same pasture too long. By regularly rotating pastures and giving them at least three months of rest, worm larvae have less chance to spread.
    Another helpful method is grazing the pastures with different animal species. These animals are not susceptible to the same worms as goats and sheep. Alternating species helps lower worm pressure.
  • Pay attention to nutrition and hygiene
    Good nutrition and hygiene help prevent worm infections. Provide enough feed so animals aren’t forced to graze close to the ground. Move animals before pastures are overgrazed to avoid high infection pressure. In stables, avoid feeding directly from the ground, as feed may come into contact with contaminated manure. Regularly provide clean bedding to minimize contact with feces.
  • Monitor animal health
    Goats and sheep can become seriously ill from worms and easily infect others. Watch for symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhea, dull coat, or bloating — all signs of a possible worm infection. Always perform a manure test if in doubt, to detect or rule out worms.
  • Perform regular (4x per year) fecal testing and deworm only when necessary
    Regular fecal testing helps detect infections early. This way, you can prevent your animals from becoming seriously ill due to a worm infestation. If the test shows your animal is infected, we will always provide a personal treatment recommendation. This ensures your animals' health comes first and prevents unnecessary deworming. For new sheep or goats, always perform a fecal test before introducing them to the herd. This prevents new animals from infecting the entire group.

In short, worm infections in sheep and goats can be prevented through a combination of good pasture management, manure control, health monitoring, and fecal testing. By applying these preventive measures, you can keep your animals healthy and reduce resistance.

Don't hesitate to contact our team if you have any further questions. We’re happy to help!

Related Blogs

Is Harrowing and Spreading Manure on the Pasture Safe?

In the Netherlands, it is rarely dry or cold enough for long periods to completely kill larvae. Worm larvae do not survive well in high temperatures combined with drought, or during prolonged frost.

The impact of climate change on worm infections in sheep and goats

Climate change is having an increasing impact on the world, and worm infections in sheep and goats are no exception.

Worm resistance: what is it and why is it a problem?

Worm resistance means that worms are no longer sensitive to certain deworming treatments.

WhatsApp