Parasites & Pests

Internal Parasites

• Integrated Control of Internal Parasites In Pasture Based Small Ruminants (PDF) by tatiana Stanton and Michael L. Thonney, Cornell University – Parasitism by Haemonchus contortus (barber pole worm) and other strongyles (roundworms) is a major cause of death and poor production in sheep and goats in the United States. These internal parasites must be managed carefully to avoid them developing resistance to the limited classes of available dewormers…
• Deer Worm Factsheet for Sheep and Goat ProducersDeer worm can be a major problem especially in the fall for small ruminant dairies grazing land frequented by white tail deer.
• Parasite Poster–these 3 pages are designed to be laminated and posted in the barn as a speedy reminder of how to check for internal parasites.
• The following charts were developed by Ray M. Kaplan, DVM (Univ. of Georgia), Patty Scharko DVM (Clemson Univ.) and Lisa Williamson, DVM (Univ. of Georgia) as guidelines for deworming dosages. Farmers should ALWAYS consult their veterinarian for advice on their specific parasite management situation. Meat and milk withdrawal times listed are based on the most current information available from FARAD (Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank) as of its writing. Be aware that these recommended withdrawal times change over time as new pharmacological information is obtained and your veterinarian should always check with FARAD for updates.  – Link to FARAD is http://www.farad.org/
  • Dewormer Chart for Goats
  • Dewormer Chart for Sheep

External Parasites

• Lice, Keds and Ticks (photos) (PDF) – Dr. Mary Smith, DVM, Cornell University
• Mange (photos) (PDF) – Dr. Mary Smith, DVM, Cornell University
• Parasitic Skin Diseases (photos) (PDF) – Dr. Mary Smith, DVM, Cornell University.  Includes detailed photos of lice, keds, ear mites, chorioptic mange, demodectic mange and sarcoptic mange.

Pests

Flies, rats and mice are serious food safety concerns.  Control of these common pests is critical for commercial dairies and creameries.

• Pest Management Recommendations for Sheep, Goats and Swine – covers both external parasites and fly issues.
• Pest Management Recommendations for Dairy Cattle – this publication goes into depth about cultural and biological controls for flies and recommendations for control in the milking parlor and creamery. Also covers external parasites.
• 2016 Integrated Pest Management Guide for Organic Dairies – focuses on external parasite and fly control for farms under organic certification, good descriptions of lice and mange control.
• Rodent Control in Livestock and Poultry Facilities
• Controlling Birds around Farm Buildings

Current Research

• Check out the Cornell Small Ruminant Parasite Research web site. It provides updates on alternative parasite control for goats and sheep and also resources to help train farmers in small ruminant integrated parasite management.