THE Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is alerting producers to the possibility of outbreaks of disease due to Barber’s Pole worm, which can thrive in the warm, moist weather conditions currently being experienced.
DPI District Veterinary Officer Jeff Cave said female Barber's Pole worms produce a large number of eggs (up to 10,000 per day), which quickly leads to heavy pasture contamination.
“During warm, moist conditions these eggs hatch into larvae which are eaten by sheep during grazing,” Dr Cave said.
“The worms suck blood leading to anaemia and bottle-jaw but not necessarily weight loss or diarrhoea.
“Just 1,000 adult Barber’s Pole worms can remove 50ml of blood from a sheep per day, which is why Barber’s Pole worm outbreaks can lead to high mortalities in a short space of time.”
Dr Cave said like other internal parasites, Barber’s Pole worms mainly affect weaners and lactating ewes.
“Barber’s Pole worms can be detected at post-mortem, or in live animals by a faecal egg count.
“As with other internal parasites, drench resistance to Barber’s Pole worm is becoming increasingly common.”
For further information please contact your local veterinarian or DPI Veterinary or Animal Health Officer, or in NSW your Livestock Health and Pest Authority.
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