The worm lifecycle takes 21 days to complete meaning that young animals should be drenched every 4 weeks to allow them to grow and thrive. If left untreated, animals can suffer from detrimental effects including weight loss as the worms “steal the nutrients” from their host. Some worms can penetrate and destroy gut cells leading to inflammation and bacterial infection. Other worm species such as Barbers Pole will suck blood leading to severe blood loss and anemia. Lung Worm and Liver Fluke will migrate through different tissues and organs causing tissue damage.

Animals with worms may show “Bottle Jaw” (fluid under the jaw), diarrhea and dirty faecal stained thighs, legs and tails. The may be skinny and unable to put on weight. There membranes may be pale to white from blood loss (check gums and tissue around the eyes) and basically fail to thrive.

Lungworm is common in young animals. You will see coughing (mucus may be present), and failure to grow and put on weight.

Most drenches sold at our clinics will be effective against both the nematodes (gut worms) and lungworm. The first oral drench should be given 2 to 3 weeks after grass consumption begins. Then drench your calves and lambs (also with oral drench) every 4 weeks. Young animals are susceptible to worms and need to be drenched routinely for the first year of life. We recommend drenching lambs with “First Drench for Lambs” and calves with “Arrest C”.

As they get older (great than 6 months old), you can use a pour-on or injectable drench. Alternatively, you can take faecal samples to your nearest Anexa FVC clinic and we can count the number of worm eggs to determine if they need drenching.

Feed young calves meal as it contains a coccidiostat which will help prevent the parasite “Coccidia” which causes diarrhoea (with fresh blood present) and straining when defecating. Other signs include dehydration, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss and anaemia.
If you notice any of these symptoms, give us a call. It is treated with the product Baycox.