26/08/2025
Haemonchus has reared its ugly head again - these photos are from a recent case in which multiple ewes were found dead.
Affected ewes had white mucous membranes due to anaemia. The most likely causes of this in sheep are acute liver fluke, and haemonchosis.
The liver in the post-mortemed ewe showed no evidence of fluke. The inside of the abomasum had a “Moroccan leather” appearance (damage caused by haemonchus worms in the stomach), and many thread-like haemonchus worms were found amongst the stomach contents.
Haemonchus differs from other gut roundworms in that it is a bloodsucker, so causes anaemia rather than scour. It also differs in that it causes disease in adult sheep.
Some sheep are more susceptible than others, and it is important to avoid blanket treatment wherever possible.
Use a FAMACHA scoring chart - like a Dulux colour chart for the conjunctiva (fleshy pink part of the eye) - and body condition score to target treatment at thin, pale ewes. Closantel can be used as narrow spectrum treatment- though if you are concerned about your flock we suggest you ring us for advice!🪱
