People take care of livestock for different reasons, from dairy to meat and fiber production. Some may even keep them as pets. But looking after these animals requires special attention to become healthy and prolong 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?
Parasites live in or on another animal and take nutrients from it, usually causing health problems. They can be found in many forms, such as worms, mites, fleas, and ticks. Parasites can be identified as internal or external.
External parasites are typically found on the skin and fur, while internal parasites live inside the body. Without adequate intervention from a big animal vet in Grayson, parasites can cause serious health problems for your livestock and poultry, including:
- Poor growth rate
- Poor condition of the layer or fur
- Diarrhea or weight loss
- Anemia and other health conditions that compromise the animal’s body’s immune system
- Reduced milk production in dairy animals
- Fatality, if left untreated
Infestations can spread easily amongst animals, so controlling them is essential for protecting your livestock.
How can you control parasites?
Here are some critical actions for controlling parasites in your livestock and poultry:
- Groom them regularly. This implies brushing them and checking for fleas, ticks, and lice. For instance, grooming dairy animals is vital to remove loose hair and dirt, make their coat clean, shiny, and even, and lower the danger of skin infections. This even allows you to have a close examination for abnormalities in their body.
- Keep their living space clean and free of debris. This involves 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 reduce the spread of parasites between animals, especially if they often live in close quarters or in contact with each other. If you need a safe, private area to keep your sick furry pal away from the other animals, pet boarding services are an excellent alternative.
- De-worm regularly. This ensures that the animals are free from internal parasites like worms. Your veterinarian can recommend the most effective worming program for your animals.
- Use medications as recommended by your veterinarian. This helps remove 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. Regular visits to a licensed veterinarian can help determine existing parasites and offer treatment if needed. For example, 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 health concerns in your livestock and poultry, so you must exercise proper management strategies to control them. Consider the ideas above to help keep your animals healthy and parasite-free. Regular veterinary medical exams are also encouraged to help diagnose existing problems and provide suitable treatment options. Because not all vets specialize in a wide range of species, find one with experience in the type of livestock or poultry you have.
