FROM: MICK DOAK
RE: GOAT NEWS
DATE: 29TH NOVEMBER 01
BARBERS POLE WORM OUTBREAKS
Over the last few weeks there have been several confirmed outbreaks of Barbers Pole worms in different areas of the state. This worm is common to most agricultural animals including cows, sheep and goats. In most cases you don't know you have a problem until you notice a few dead animals, with many of the remaining mob losing condition fast and a few with a huge swelling under the jaw which is commonly called "bottle jaw" There will be no signs of scouring unless there is another type of worm present.
The reason for the out breaks is most probably the low lying green patches which along with the warm humid conditions we have experienced is the ideal environment for Barbers pole worms to breed in. Adult females can lay up to 10,000 eggs per day for several months in ideal conditions, which can give a massive contamination of pasture in a short time. Eggs are passed from the host animal in their faeces and hatch to become infective larvae after about 4 days. The larvae migrate up blades of moist grass and are ingested by livestock.
After ingestion the larvae grow to maturity in the fourth stomach and commence egg laying in about 18 days reaching their height of production after 25 days. The adult worm is 1 to 2.5cm in length and easily seen in the fourth stomach at post mortem. The male is reddish brown in colour while the female has the distinctive red and white spirals similar to the red and white poles once seen in every barber's shop.
Ideal conditions for the parasite build up include overcrowding, lush pasture and warm humid conditions which can be experienced in most parts of the state including the pastoral areas.
Months which have average temperatures of 18 degrees C and over and 50 mm of rain are the months when out breaks are more likely to occur. In wet summers the disease may continue unchecked where as in drier years there may be a peak incidence in early summer and another in autumn. Larvae picked up may become retarded if conditions become less favourable and may continue their development at a latter more suitable time as winter or spring. It has been found that retarded larvae in pregnant animals will resume development as soon as lactation begins.
Barber's pole worms are blood suckers and will leave their victims emaciated and anaemic and in many cases also with a complicating disease such as enterotoxaemia or pneumonia. As with many diseases the young, very old and stressed animals are at the highest risk with effected ones first noticed at mustering time. The effected animals lag behind, show rapid breathing as a result of anaemia, may be staggery and often go down.
To keep control of this silent killer you should take measures especially if you have had problems in the past, as it seems to be more likely to happen again and again on the same property. A strategic drenching program along with rotation of paddocks will go along way to break the breeding cycle. You should consult your local Wesfarmers merchandise specialist who can give you the latest advise to control Barber's pole worms and any other disease you may have a problem with.
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