Management of the Severely Parasitized Small Ruminant

Abstract

The most common reason for anemia in small ruminants is internal parasitism. Hemonchus contortus (barber pole worm) is a voracious bloodsucker that typically resides in the abomasum. The condition may occur in both young stock and adults alike. With the ever-increasing issue of parasite resistance, practitioners will be faced with small ruminants that are severely anemic. Providing that there are no other serious disease conditions, these cases can have successful outcomes. Management of the severely parasitized small ruminant (goat, sheep, camelid) is detailed, and subsequent herd/flock parasite management is discussed.