Climate change is having an increasing impact on the world, and worm infections in sheep and goats are also affected. Changes in temperature, rainfall patterns, and seasonal transitions are increasing the risk of worm infections.
Warmer climate and longer growing seasons
A rising average temperature allows gastrointestinal worms to survive for longer periods. Normally, many larvae die off in winter due to frost, but mild winters allow them to survive longer. This means the worm infection cycle can start earlier in the year and last longer, leading to increased infection pressure.
Changing rainfall patterns
Rainfall plays an important role in the spread of worm larvae on pastures. When it rains more frequently, larvae can spread faster across fields and are more easily picked up by sheep and goats. On the other hand, prolonged dry periods reduce grass growth. With less grass available, animals are forced to graze closer together, increasing the risk of infection.
Health consequences
Increased worm burden can have serious consequences for animal health. Severe worm infections can cause symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhea, anemia, and stunted growth. As the infection pressure increases, these symptoms may become more prevalent in the future. Young animals and pregnant ewes and goats are particularly vulnerable to high infection pressure.
Finally, higher infection pressure results in more worm infections. Severe infections will still need treatment if fecal testing shows it is necessary. As a result, resistance problems may worsen.
What can you do yourself?
To reduce the impact of climate change on worm infections, you can take several measures, which we have listed below.
Want to read more about worms? Visit this page. And don't hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions. We're happy to help!
NL
DE
FR
