Biologics Manual Sheep Parasite Producer Report

National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) GI Parasite Composite Report

Date of report:

ID:

Dear Participant,

Thank you for participating in the parasite portion of the NAHMS Sheep 2024 Study. This report contains the results of the internal parasite testing performed on the sheep at your operation. Consider sharing these results with your veterinarian so that they can assist you in determining if you a need to modify your deworming protocols.

If you have questions about the accuracy of your results, please contact Dr. Alyson Wiedenheft, the NAHMS biologics coordinator, at [email protected].

Overview of Parasite Testing:

Control of internal parasite infection in sheep is considered an essential aspect of routine management. Internal parasite control is based both on good husbandry and the use of anthelmintics. The first step in an effective deworming program is to determine the level of infection and the type of internal parasites on the sheep operation. Trichostrongyles (a family of stomach worms, including Haemonchus contortus- the “Barber Pole Worm”) are considered the most important internal parasites in sheep industry. Specifically, Haemonchus contortus infections are especially dangerous to sheep. Composite (pooled) testing of the fecal samples will provide a baseline herd level egg count of Trichostrongyles.

Fecal Egg Count (FEC):

These results describe a baseline (pre-deworming) fecal egg count (FEC) for trichostrongyles reported as eggs per gram (EPG) at the herd level. An FEC is calculated for the composite sample and is used to estimate the parasitic load for the herd. For this study, a low FEC is considered to be less than 300 EPG, a moderate FEC is between 300-1000 EPG, and a high FEC is greater than 1000 EPG.

Subset: Anthelmintic Resistance Test

A subset of the composite samples will be tested for anthelmintic resistance using the DrenchRite® Larval Development Assay (LDA). This test is an alternative to the Fecal Egg Count Resistance Test to determine the effectiveness of anthelmintics.

TRICHOSTRONGYLE RESULT:

Fecal Egg Count at Herd Level: 300 EPG

Fecal Egg Count Interpretation: For this study, a low FEC is considered to be less than 300 EPG, a moderate FEC is between 300-1000 EPG, and a high FEC is greater than 1000 EPG.

Subset: DrenchRite® Larval Development Assay (LDA):

Anthelmintic class:

Anthelmintic class:

Anthelmintic class:

Anthelmintic class:

Subset: DrenchRite® LDA Interpretation: