People take care of livestock for various good reasons, from dairy products to meat and fiber production. Some may even keep them as pets. But looking after these animals calls for special treatment to become healthier and prolong their lifespan. Parasites are common in livestock, and proper management is crucial for controlling their spread. You also need a livestock vet specializing in these areas to aid you in keeping your animals well-balanced.
What can parasites do to your animals?
Parasites are organisms living in or on another animal that take nutrients from it, usually causing illness. They can be found in numerous forms, such as worms, mites, fleas, and ticks. Parasites can be identified as internal or external.
External parasites are commonly spotted on the skin and hair, while internal parasites live inside the body. Without proper intervention from a livestock veterinarian expert, parasites can cause severe health complications for your livestock and poultry, including:
- Poor development rate
- Poor condition of the coat or hair
- Diarrhea or weight loss
- Anemia and other conditions that weaken the animal’s immune system
- Reduced milk production in dairy animals
- Fatality, if left untreated
Infestations can spread quickly amongst animals, so controlling them is essential for protecting your livestock.
How can you control parasites?
Listed here are some fundamental actions for controlling parasites in your livestock and poultry:
- Groom them regularly. This means brushing them and checking for fleas, ticks, and lice. For instance, grooming dairy animals is essential to remove loose hair and dirt, make their coat clean, shiny, and even, and reduce the risk of skin infections. This even helps you to have a close inspection for abnormalities in their body.
- Keep their living area tidy and free of debris. This includes removing old feed, manure, or any material where parasites can hide. Sterilization also helps reduce the risk of parasites. Use disinfectants to clean pens, feeders, and water troughs.
- Separate sick animals from healthy ones. This helps reduce the spread of parasites between animals, most especially if they frequently stay in close quarters or in contact with each other.
- De-worm regularly. This guarantees that the animals are free from internal parasites like worms. Your veterinarian can recommend the most effective worming program for your animals.
- Use medications as recommended by your veterinarian. This helps remove the existing parasites and helps reduce the chances of infection from new ones.
- Vaccinate your animals against certain diseases that parasites can spread. Apply pesticides as part of a thorough flea control program. Insecticide sprays are readily available to offer protection to livestock and poultry from external parasites like mites, lice, and flies. Always use products accepted by your vet for safety reasons. Vaccinating your livestock animals may help avoid both internal and external parasites, and you can read more about the benefits of vaccinations from websites like acvcgrayson.com.
- Have them checked by a professional. Routine visits to a qualified veterinarian can help determine existing parasites and provide treatment if needed. For example, you may need avian veterinary care for your chickens or a ruminant animal specialist for your livestock.
As a Summary
Parasites can lead to a range of health issues in your livestock and poultry, so you must practice proper management strategies to regulate them. Consider the tips above to help always keep your animals healthy and parasite-free. Regular vet medical exams are also urged to help diagnose existing complications and provide suitable treatments. Because not all veterinarians specialize in a wide range of species, find one with experience in the type of livestock or poultry you have.
