The Biggest Threats to Flock Health
Internal parasites, especially barber pole worm, are consistently one of the top causes of illness and death in sheep, particularly in warm, humid climates where larvae thrive on pasture. Signs of a heavy parasite load include pale gums, bottle jaw, weight loss, and poor wool quality, though a healthy-looking sheep can still be carrying a significant worm burden.
Building a Management Plan
Fecal egg counts help identify which animals actually need treatment rather than deworming the whole flock automatically, which slows resistance buildup. Rotational grazing that rests pastures long enough to break the parasite life cycle, along with keeping pastures mowed and avoiding overgrazing, reduces the number of larvae sheep pick up while grazing. Culling animals that consistently carry high parasite loads also gradually improves overall flock resilience.
