Internal parasites, particularly barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus), are the most significant welfare and production challenge facing small ruminant farms globally.
Gastrointestinal parasitism causes significant suffering in goats, including severe anemia, bottle jaw, weakness, and death if untreated. The welfare impact is compounded by the fact that widespread drug resistance means many farms have limited effective treatment options. Welfare-positive parasite management combines intelligent targeted treatment, nutritional support to boost immunity, and pasture management to reduce exposure. Farms that rely solely on routine anthelmintic treatment without resistance management are creating conditions where parasite welfare burdens will worsen over time.