In most cases, broad spectrum drenches are used to control worms. The most common use of narrow spectrum drenches in Tasmania is against liver flukes (broad spectrum drenches have little or no effect on the liver fluke). In most cases, drench is administered orally by a drenching gun.
Heat and dryness are most effective in controlling parasite larvae. Midwest winters have relatively little effect against infective larvae. Control programs using dewormers vary in how they are used. Some elect to deworm on a regular schedule, every 6-8 weeks.
Garlic – Use garlic as a worm-preventative and effective dewormer treatment. It aids in digestion and decreases worm counts. You can also mix garlic with molasses; try feeding it to them right out of your hand.
Efficacy is usually better with moxidectin (Cydectin). Levamisole (Prohibit, Leva-Med) is usually the most effective dewormer. Resistance varies by farm. Due to drug resistance, it is now recommended that clinically parasitized animals be given combination treatments.
Tapeworm segments can be seen in the feces of sheep and goats. They have a white, grain-like appearance. Adult worms, often up to a meter or more in length, can be expelled and passed in the environment. Tapeworm eggs can be seen in sheep and goat feces, using the standard worm count procedure.
Normally sheep should be treated every three to four weeks. Keep in mind that worms may develop resistance to a drug if exposed frequently. Lower stocking rates will reduce the intensity of the deworming program. Fewer sheep result in fewer shed worm eggs within a given area, and thereby reducing parasite loads.
IVERMECTIN DRENCH-Sheep and goats receive the same treatment. Use Ivermectin drench at twice the label dose, (20cc Per 100lbs-Orally). Fast for 12-24 hours prior to use. Ivermectin is safe for all classes of animals.
Is Cydectin the Same as Ivermectin? No, Cydectin and Ivermectin are definitely not the same. Ivermectin is the active ingredient in several dewormer products for cattle, swine and other animals. Cydectin products contain an active ingredient called moxidectin, which is part of the milbemycin chemical group.
Pumpkin seeds are an extremely effective deworming agent because they contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin. This paralyzes the worms making them easily eliminated from the intestine. They can be fed whole as a treat or you can grind them into a fine powder and add to Fido's food.
Vegetables and fruits are great for deworming dogs. They contain high levels of fibre which help to bulk up the stools and expel the worms. Pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, and papaya are all excellent choices. Feeding your dog a couple of these a day will help to clean them out and keep them healthy.
Sheep are more susceptible to internal parasites than most other types of farm livestock for several reasons. Their small fecal pellets disintegrate very easily thus releasing the worm larvae onto pastures. They graze close to the soil surface and to their feces. They acquire immunity more slowly.
Moxidectin is the most potent member of the macrocyclic lactone (ML) family of drenches, meaning it can kill worms resistant to ivermectin and abamectin. Praziquantel is the only available chemical that controls both the segments and heads of tapeworm at registered doses.
Rycoben™ SC is a group 1 white (benzimidazole) anthelmintic (wormer) containing albendazole for sheep. It is effective against: Roundworms including Nematodirus battus in spring/early summer. Tapeworms.
Akula Lice, Fly and Worms is a concentrated Ivermectin multi-purpose treatment for use in sheep of all ages. Akula can be used as an oral drench or jetting fluid for treatment of blowfly strike and biting lice in long wooled sheep.
Some of the products that may interact with this drug include: barbiturates (such as phenobarbital, butalbital), benzodiazepines (such as clonazepam, lorazepam), sodium oxybate (GHB), valproic acid.
It is effective against a wide range of parasites, including gastrointestinal roundworms, lungworms, mites, lice and hornflies.
Combinex™ Sheep
A combination flukicide and wormer treatment to be used when it's necessary to treat liver fluke and GI worms at the same time.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Sheep and Lambs
Improves the quality and yield of wool. Reduces the incidence of urinary calculi and kidney stones. It has powerful healing, cleansing, and natural antibiotic and antiseptic qualities.
One of the most important times to deworm is just after lambing, when there is a sudden release of infective eggs within the ewe's intestinal tract. Treating animals at this time minimizes the exposure of larva to newborn and young lambs.
Once larvae have left the manure and are exposed on the pasture, sheep consume the larvae along with the pasture and become infected with worms. Worms can live in the sheep's gut for many months. Some species can live exposed on the ground for six months or longer in favourable conditions.
Overdosing sheep or lambs with drench or incorrect pre or post drenching management can be fatal so it is important to consider how you drench as well as 'when' and 'what with'.
Aim to give sheep enough exposure to worms to allow natural immunity to develop without encouraging further resistance. - When worming sheep/lambs do not dose and move onto clean pasture: This will increase the proportion of resistant worm eggs on the pasture and therefore encourage resistance.
Using this knowledge to control worms
In very hot districts, a further month can be taken off; extreme temperatures over 40°C for a couple of weeks will kill most larvae. More information on preparing low worm-risk paddocks can be found here: Grazing management.