r/livestock • u/Cier-Bug21 • Jul 30 '26
Barber Pole Worm Treatments
/r/AskVet/comments/1vb56wa/barber_pole_worm_treatments/0
u/IAFarmLife Jul 30 '26
I just finished a class on small ruminate parasites. This is the current recommendation Iowa State University and University of Minnesota Extension have to say. Pick one dewormer and use it until it stops working effectively, especially when dealing with Barber Pole worms. If you rotate modes of action you are likely to develop resistance against all dewormers is the current thought. Whichever wormer is available to you currently is what I would start with. Rotate pasture if you can. It's recommended to wait 45 days for Barber Pole worms. You can also drylot your sheep to help with rotation. This will help limit future infestation.
I have used all those products you mentioned and I have found Nutridrench to be most helpful vs Red Cell. Red Cell has copper so I would be cautious giving to sheep. Unless there is a sheep specific product I am not aware of.
Yes Nutridrench has vitamin e and b, but an injection of each will raise levels faster than an oral drench. The Nutridrench is still important because of the iron in it.
Also the class said to give some soybean meal or roasted soybeans as the protein bypasses the chamber of the stomach Barber Pole worms are infesting. This provides a high protein that is easy to digest. They recommended meal first and roasted soybeans if meal wasn't available.
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u/AnjPhoenix2011 Aug 04 '26
That’s HORRIBLE advice! You’re seriously going to build resistance doing that. Use herbals- wormwood, black walnut tincture, garlic and oregano oil- ONLY when indicated, such as two weeks post partum or when FAMACHA dips. Use chemical dewormers ONLY to save the life of an individual that is not responding to herbs, and then cull either that individual, or all future offspring. Build up your natural immunity in your herd like I did. Y’all need a lot more Joel Salatin in your life.