Controlling Brown Stomach Worm In Sheep And Goats

These parasites occur in the lining of the stomach. If not treated in time, they can cause production losses and even result in death.

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The brown stomach worm (Teladorsagia circumcincta) is a roundworm that affects sheep and goats. A major parasite of South Africa’s winter rainfall region, it can cause major damage if not identified and treated in time. It can also be a problem in summer rainfall areas, especially where sheep and goats graze on irrigated pasture in winter.

The parasite is a small, redbrown worm, about 10mm in length, which is just visible on the lining of the abomasum, the fourth stomach in the ruminant. An adult female can lay between 50 and 100 eggs a day. Adults can become inactive inside the sheep or goat for varying periods, resuming activity when environmental conditions become more favourable.