Monday, March 24, 2014

2014 Deworming Protocol

Last year, there were some questions regarding the deworming of the test goats.  Here is the official deworming protocol for the 2014 test:
  • Upon arrival to test site, all goats will be dewormed with anthelmintics from each drug class: moxidectin (Cydectin®), albendazole (Valbazen®), and levamisole (Prohibit®). These initial dewormings are necessary (regardless of need) so that the goats all start the test (and worm challenge) equally and as free from GI parasites as possible.
  • During the test, goats that require deworming will be given moxidectin or levamisole. A DrenchRite® assay has confirmed the effectiveness of these two anthelmintics.

  • Goats with FAMACHA© scores of 1 or 2 will not be dewormed unless they have bottle jaw
  • All goats with FAMACHA© scores of 4 or 5 will be dewormed, regardless of other factors.
  • Goats with FAMACHA© scores of 3 will be dewormed if they have one or more of the following risk factors:
    1. Evidence of bottle jaw.
    2. More than 10 percent of goats have FAMACHA© scores of 4 or 5.
    3. Fecal egg count two weeks prior was >2000 epg.
    4. Weight loss during previous two week period.
    5. Evidence of active diarrhea (scours).
    6. Body condition score of less than 2.


  • Goats with FAMACHA© scores of 4 will be put in treatment pen for observation.
  • Goats with FAMACHA© scores of 5 will be put in treatment pen and be given supportive therapy
  • Goats with diarrhea will be treated.
  • All goats will be given 0.5 g of copper oxide wire particles on day 42 and 84.