Worms can wreak havoc on South African livestock farms, impacting animal health and productivity. You can safeguard your livestock’s health and well-being by working with your veterinarian to execute a complete programme that combines targeted deworming and preventative strategies.
According to Dr Takula Tshuma, a leading expert from the University of Pretoria’s faculty of veterinary science, it is important to recognise the diverse range of worms affecting livestock.
Stay alert: clinical signs
Tshuma emphasises that worm infestations manifest differently depending on the specific worm and the animal it infects. There’s no single set of signs, but Tshuma highlights some general indicators:
- Weight loss
- Poor body condition
- Diarrhoea
- Anaemia
- Weakness
- Bottle jaws
- Visible worms (in some cases)
“This is in general; we shouldn’t expect these signs with all types of worms. The specific signs of worms will depend on the type of worms that we are dealing with and also depend on the animal and animal type,” he explains.
Main types of worms and their impact
There are three main types of worms affecting livestock, explains Tshuma, each with varying degrees of harm:
- Roundworms (nematodes): These can infest various organs, including the intestines, lungs, and eyes. Some are deadly, while others cause production losses due to discomfort.
- Tapeworms (flatworms): Their impact varies. Some are believed to be harmless, while others can affect the animal’s health.
- Flukes (trematodes): These can be highly detrimental, causing blood loss or organ damage.
All livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats, are susceptible to worms, with sheep being the most affected, followed by goats and cattle.
“In my experience, I have seen that although all these animals have been affected by worms, sheep tend to be affected more than others, but let’s not miss the point. All livestock can and will be affected by worms,” he warns.
Infestations can occur year-round, with warm, wet weather promoting their development and transmission. Peak outbreaks are typically seen during the spring and summer.
The importance of a veterinarian-patient partnership
Tshuma highlights the importance of a strong relationship between farmers and their veterinarians. A veterinarian can assess the specific situation on a farm and create a targeted deworming programme.
He makes an example by stating, “There is no one-size-fits-all type [programme], whereas with one farm you deworm once, and I have seen farms where it is necessary to deworm as frequently as two weeks,” he says.
The deworming programme and frequency depend on the type of livestock, the local parasite burden, and management practices.
“Regular consultations with a veterinarian are more crucial than the frequency of deworming. The vet is key because it helps a farmer develop a programme specific to their needs on the farm,” he explains.
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Treatment options and the resistance threat
Antihelminthics, commonly called dewormers, are medications used to treat worms. Different dewormers target specific types of worms.
“Specific anthelmintics kill specific worms; therefore, the relationship with the vet is crucial,” says Tshuma.
Selecting the right dewormer is crucial for effective treatment and preventing resistance. If you use the wrong one, it won’t eliminate the problematic worms impacting your cattle’s health. This allows the resistant worms to survive and multiply, increasing the parasite population in your herd. Consulting a veterinarian ensures the proper dewormer is used for the specific worm affecting the animals.
Preventive measures: a holistic approach
Complete worm eradication is unrealistic. The focus should be on mitigating worm burdens and minimising their impact.
Tshuma recommends the following preventive measures:
- Rotational grazing: This disrupts the life cycle of certain worms by preventing animals from re-grazing on contaminated pastures.
- Sanitation: Maintaining clean water troughs and proper drainage reduces worm survival rates.
- Quarantine: Deworming new animals before introducing them to the herd helps prevent the spread of worms.
- Nutritional management: Healthy, well-fed animals have a stronger immune system and are better equipped to fight worm infections.
Working together for healthy livestock
The key to effective worm control is a comprehensive approach that considers various factors. Working with a veterinarian to develop a customised programme that incorporates deworming with preventative measures like rotational grazing and proper nutrition is vital for maintaining healthy livestock.
“We must accept that we will always live with worms in farming. We cannot eradicate them; that is an important fact to accept. Whatever we do is to mitigate or reduce the damage, but let’s not fool ourselves into thinking that we can get rid of all the worms and live happily ever after,” he explains.
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