FAMACHA Score
This assesses an animal's level of anaemia, which results from barber's pole worm (and some other causes). A card with 5 blocks of colour (1=red, 2=red-pink, 3=pink, 4=pink-creamy white and 5=creamy white) are compared to the colour of the mucus membranes (conjunctiva) inside the lower eyelid. More information.
Body Condition Score Score
This assesses the level of body fat as an indicator of general condition. It is done by feeling for fatness over the backboane and short ribs. More information.
Faecal Consistency Score or scouring
This assesses the wateriness or sloppiness of the faeces as an indication of scourworms. More information.
FAMACHA Score
This assesses an animal's level of anaemia, which results from barber's pole worm (and some other causes). A card with 5 blocks of colour (1=red, 2=red-pink, 3=pink, 4=pink-creamy white and 5=creamy white) are compared to the colour of the mucus membranes (conjunctiva) inside the lower eyelid. More information.
Body Condition Score Score
This assesses the level of body fat as an indicator of general condition. It is done by feeling for fatness over the backboane and short ribs. More information.
Faecal Consistency Score or scouring
This assesses the wateriness or sloppiness of the faeces as an indication of scourworms. More information.
Region: Australian Smallholders
Date: %14 %Dec %2024
Drench this goat now with an effective combination treatment.[1]
Generally, this should be a short-acting product.
However, if this is a high-risk time for barber’s pole worm and the goat is in one of the following situations, a) a coastal area, (b) on irrigated pasture, or (c) in a summer rainfall region, then consider a long-acting product (in other areas a short-acting product should be sufficient).
If you have other goats, ensure they are also assessed because individuals can vary considerably in their susceptibility to worms.
Continue checking regularly
In barber’s pole worm areas
Check FAMACHA Score weekly during high worm-risk periods to monthly during low worm risk periods.
At the same time, check for watery scours (Faecal Consistency Score 5).
Check Body Condition Score (BCS) monthly.
In scour worm areas
Check Body Condition Score and Scouring monthly.
Be aware that in some districts that have a warmer and wetter spring or summer than usual, that barber’s pole worm may be a serious problem in summer and autumn. In such areas, include FAMACHA checking weekly to fortnightly in summer and autumn.
If you are unable to regularly assess and treat goats on an individual basis, use the regional Drench Decision Guide for your area and monitor your mob with worm egg counts.
No treatment is currently recommended for this goat.
Continue checking regularly
In barber’s pole worm areas
Check FAMACHA Score weekly during high worm-risk periods to monthly during low worm risk periods.
At the same time, check for watery scours (Faecal Consistency Score 5).
Check Body Condition Score (BCS) monthly.
In scour worm areas
Check Body Condition Score and Scouring monthly.
Be aware that in some districts that have a warmer and wetter spring or summer than usual, that barber’s pole worm may be a serious problem in summer and autumn. In such areas, include FAMACHA checking weekly to fortnightly in summer and autumn.
If you are unable to regularly assess and treat goats on an individual basis, use the regional Drench Decision Guide for your area and monitor your mob with worm egg counts.
This recommendation should be read with the information provided below.
Review available drenches with the WormBoss drench search
When using anthelmintic products in goats, obtain a veterinary prescription because:
Victoria: over the counter drenches can be used if residues are kept below the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL).
South Australia: cattle drenches can be used in goats, but pour-on formulations should be avoided.
When giving all treatments
Follow the product labels or veterinarian’s instructions. Dose to the heaviest goat in the group. Calibrate equipment to ensure the right dose is delivered with the right procedures. Do not mix drenches unless the label states they are compatible. Check and comply with withholding periods and export slaughter intervals.
Choosing treatment options on your property
Use these principles together, where possible:
For more details read the drench resistance section in the WormBoss Worm Control Program.
Check effectiveness of long-acting treatments
Use only under veterinary prescription.
WormTest with a culture at 35, 60 and 90 days after treatment.
If WormTest results are 100 epg or above, drench resistance is likely. Drench immediately with an effective short-acting drench with a different drench group to the long-acting treatment. Seek veterinary advice on the further use of this product. If WormTest results are less than 100 epg, then treat with an exit drench at 100 days after the long-acting treatment was given.
Seek veterinary advice if WormTests are positive at or before 60 days.
Primer and exit drenches
These help to slow drench resistance to persistent treatments.
Protection period of persistent treatments for sheep
(goat times are unknown, but likely much shorter as goats metabolise the drugs faster)
Mid-length: 7–28 days. Long-acting: 91–100 days.
NOTE: The protection period against susceptible black scour worm with a long-acting moxidectin injection is 49 days in sheep, but is not set in goats.
Use a primer before long-acting treatments
Primer drenches (effective short-acting treatments that do not include the drench group in the long-acting treatment) should be given concurrently with all long-acting treatments.
Use an exit drench after all mid-length and long-acting treatments
Anytime that you are concerned that the persistent treatment is not providing protection, WormTest immediately and seek veterinary advice regarding drench resistance.