How to Get Rid of the Barber Pole Worm in Sheep

Barber Pole Worm, also known as Haemonchus contortus, is a parasite found in sheep that can lead to bottle jaw, anemia and death. According to research animal scientist Joan Burke, different populations of Barber Pole Worm have become resistant to pharmaceutical dewormers, making it increasingly difficult to control the spread of worms. Nonetheless, Burke advises proper feed management, mineral supplements and specific pasture grasses in addition to drenching to maintain flock health and prevent the spread of parasites.

Things You'll Need

  • Drench
  • Copper Oxide
  • Fence
  • Supplemental Feed
  • Tannin Rich Forages
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Instructions

    • 1

      Plant tannin-rich grasses such as sericea lespedeza in the pasture or grow as hay and feed during the winter. Young plants have parasite-fighting qualities that may help prevent Barber Pole worms.

    • 2

      Administer copper oxide as a bolus. Copper oxide has had a prominent effect on the infectious Barber Pole worm in lambs, according to Burke. Copper oxide is different than copper sulfate, which causes copper toxicity in sheep. Give each sheep one bolus of 2 grams or less once a year. Refrain from using copper oxide if flocks are grazing in areas where copper is more prevalent.

    • 3

      Rotate grazing pastures to lessen overgrazing and inhibit parasite contamination. If possible, allow cattle to graze on pastures prior to sheep. Parasite resistant sheep such as St. Croix, Katahdin and Florida Native sheep can also be used in rotational grazing with infected pastures.

    • 4

      Supplement your flock with hay and grain to provide enough energy to combat anemia and malnutrition. Utilize hay and grain to give pastures time to recoup after grazing.

    • 5

      Drench sheep properly by administering the correct amount per weight. Place the drench at the back of the mouth not on the tongue.