People take care of livestock for various reasons, from dairy products to meat and fiber production. Some may even keep them as pets. But caring for these types of animals calls for special treatment to become healthy and extend their lifespan. Parasites are common in livestock, and proper management is essential 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?

A parasite is a microorganism living in or on another animal and takes nutrients from it, often resulting in health problems. They come in numerous forms, including worms, mites, fleas, and ticks. Parasites can be identified as internal or external. 

External parasites are commonly spotted on the skin and fur, while internal parasites live inside the body. Without adequate intervention, parasites can cause serious health complications for your livestock and poultry, including:

  • Poor development rate
  • Poor condition of the coat or fur
  • Diarrhea or weight loss
  • Anemia and other health conditions that weaken the animal’s body’s immune system
  • Reduced milk production in dairy animals
  • Death, if left untreated

Infestations can spread quickly amongst animals, so controlling them is essential for protecting your livestock. Check out this link for additional information on how veterinarians can help protect your livestock animals against parasites.

How can you control parasites?

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 important to remove loose hair and dirt, make their coat tidy, glossy, and even, and reduce the danger of skin infections. This even helps you to have a close examination for abnormalities in their body.
  • Keep their living space clean and free of debris. This includes removing old feed, manure, or any material where parasites can easily hide. Sanitation also helps reduce the risk of parasites. Use anti-bacterial to clean pens, feeders, and water troughs.
  • Separate sick animals from healthy ones. This helps in reducing the spread of parasites between animals, most especially if they often live in close quarters or in contact with each other. If your sick animal is required to be confined and isolated from others, a pet boarding facility is a suitable choice when looking for one.
  • De-worm regularly. This ensures that the animals are free from internal parasites like worms. Your veterinarian can recommend the best worming program for your animals.
  • Use medications as recommended by your veterinarian. This helps eliminate the existing parasites and helps prevent infection from new ones.
  • Vaccinate your animals against certain diseases that parasites can spread. Apply insecticides as part of a comprehensive flea control program. Insecticide sprays are readily available to protect livestock and poultry from external parasites like mites, lice, and flies. Always use products approved by your vet for safety reasons.
  • Have them checked by a professional. Routine visits to a qualified veterinarian can help identify existing parasites and offer treatment if required. For instance, you may need an exotic animal vet in Grayson for your poultries or a ruminant animal specialist for your livestock.

As a Summary

Parasites can cause various health issues in your livestock and poultry, so you should exercise proper management techniques to control them. Consider the tips above to help always keep your animals healthy and parasite-free. Regular veterinary medical exams are also encouraged to help diagnose existing complications and provide appropriate 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.