How to manage and control internal parasites in cattle

Internal parasites are the bane of most farmers' existence as they are hard to detect, control, prevent or manage. Thankfully, there are some strategies that may help. Janine Ryan reports.

- Janine Ryan

Internal parasites are a significant problem for farmers the world over, as they can lead to a loss of production or even death in animal production. Parasites are also difficult to control and manage. In this article, we look at three common internal parasites that affect cattle production in South Africa, and offer some tips on how to manage parasitic infections.

WIREWORM (BARBER’S POLE WORM)

Wireworm (Haemonchus placei or H. contortus), also known as barber’s pole worm, is a roundworm that is particularly problematic in summer rainfall and tropical regions, says Worm Boss, an online platform that specifically focuses on internal parasites in cattle. H. contortus infects sheep and goats, and Worm Boss explains that small-stock are more susceptible to the cattle species H. placei than cattle are to H. contortus.

“[Wireworms] are bloodsucking parasites. They can be fatal for young cattle and cows in their first lactation, especially if other blood-sucking parasites such as hookworm (Bunostomum phlebotomum) or liver fluke are also present. Even moderate infections of barber’s pole worm can have a marked effect on the milk production of cows.”

According to Worm Boss, adult female wireworms are clearly visible at 20mm to 30mm long. “They have the characteristic ‘barber’s pole’ appearance due to the pink (blood-filled) intestinal tract of the worm twisted around the paler reproductive tract.” Adult males, however, are smaller at around 15mm and pale pink, says Worm Boss. Female wireworms lay up to 10 000 eggs per day, which means that egg counts are usually higher with this worm infestation than others.