Set up a parasite control plan
Internal parasites, especially barber pole worm, are a leading killer of goats and sheep. Dewormer resistance is widespread, so treat selectively.
How
- Learn FAMACHA eyelid scoring (1 red, healthy, to 5 pale, severely anaemic). Score every 2 weeks in the grazing season. It works only for barber pole worm.
- Deworm scores 4 and 5. Consider score 3 for young, pregnant, lactating or thin animals (University of Florida).
- Add the Five Point Check (eye, nose, jaw, body condition, tail) because FAMACHA misses other parasites.
- Graze no lower than about 4 in (10 cm), rotate paddocks, and return after 28 to 35 days where possible (SARE).
- Ask your vet for a fecal egg count reduction test to see which dewormers still work; an effective one should cut egg counts by about 95 percent.
- Record treatments and cull animals that need repeated deworming.
Sources
- FAMACHA Factsheet. University of Florida IFAS Extension, accessed 2026-11
- Sustainable Control of Internal Parasites in Small Ruminant Production (revised 2026). SARE / American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control, accessed 2026-11
- Goat Production Basics in Kentucky (ID-162). University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, accessed 2026-11