Synergy farm health are pleased to announce our latest podcast on Haemonchus (a.k.a barber’s pole worm).
Across our practice here in the Southwest, we are witnessing the apparently increasing prevalence of Haemonchus contortus. Affected flocks often experience high numbers of ewe losses, not to mention the hidden costs of lost production in lamb growth and poorer ewe fertility. Needing to know more, and how best to support our farmers, Synergy sheep vets Charlotte Mouland and Nicky Ogden were joined by European parasitology specialist, Professor Eric Morgan, to discuss the topic.
During the podcast we understood the increasing importance of the parasite, and how other countries have learnt to adapt and cope with it. We covered the clinical signs of the disease, and what to do if farmers suspect infection. We discussed the importance of using the FAMACHA eyelid scoring system for affected flocks.
Professor Morgan helped identify ways in which sustainable parasite control still applies to Haemonchus, and the importance of understanding how to treat confirmed cases. Farm specific control options were also discussed, and the importance of getting quarantine procedures right, especially for farms who have not yet faced a Haemonchus challenge.
Listen to our podcast here
