Preventive Treatment For Meningeal Worm

[Deleted]

We've been battling meningeal worm since last Summer. Trub had it then, and I think the problem with her single buckling that died, as well as her decreased milk production this season, were caused by the parasite.

After talking to Emily, I also believe that Nomo contracted the worm, and that's why she went down and stayed down. We treated with Safeguard, and later found a tell-tale lesion on her back.  She's not out of the woods yet, but she looks a darned sight better than she did. Time will tell.

Does anyone here treat prophylactically for meningeal/deer worm? What treatment schedule do you use? Em said that, years ago, someone told her there is a season that's best for treating it, but she doesn't remember now.

I'd rather treat to prevent than watch another treasured doe go South. Any suggestions are appreciated (as long as you're not snarky, LOL!)

[Deleted]

I accidentally posted that as Nick. Got on his computer for something else, next thing I knew, my avatar looked was different...

Still looking for answers about deer worm, though.

[woolybear]

Here's a link to an article with more links at the bottom of the page. Around here its suggested to use ivomec to treat meningeal worm since it has lost any effectiveness for most of other worms (sorry if that sounds mixed up I've got other things running thru my mind at the moment)
www.sheepandgoat.com/articles/deerworm.html

[Deleted]

I read an article a few years ago about putting a safeguard block out free choice. It was saying that the small daily doses of safeguard helped prevent it. Idk though. Safeguard typically is a pretty weak wormer. I've had a couple run ins with the M worm. Twisted the spine of a big boer buck. He lived but was unable to breed because of balance issues.
I will be watching this thread too. Slowly getting back into goats after selling most of the herd off 4 yrs ago.

[Deleted]

We have a huge deer population here and I'm pretty paranoid about meningeal worm too. I use weekly herbal wormer as a regular worm preventative and so far it's kept that and other nasties away. Even if you use conventional worming methods, perhaps adding the herbal regimen could help prevent further meningeal worm issues.

[mzgarden]

Woolieface, which herbal wormer are you using with success?

[Deleted]

Apr 15, 2015 14:54:10 GMT mzgarden said:

Woolieface, which herbal wormer are you using with success?

I've used both Molly's from Fiascofarm (which I'm currently using) - fiascofarm.com/  and Land of Havilah - www.landofhavilahfarm.com/

Both work well, but I choose to give Molly's #2 formula only during pregnancy because formula #1 and Land of Havilah both have wormwood. The Land of Havilah site maintains it's safe for pregnant animals as well, and perhaps it is (maybe the wormwood amount is very small) but I don't like to take chances.