By Bonanza • 6th Feb 26
Nematodirus in lambs – what it is and how to prevent it
Nematodirus in lambs can be a major problem, it is caused by the Nematodirus Battis gastrointestinal worm. It affects lambs at the beginning of the grazing season. Monitoring the risk of Nematodirus is vital, with accurate diagnosis and treatment. This should be discussed with a vet or a qualified R-SQP.
Animals exposed to Nematodirus generally will gain immunity quickly, therefore, if the lambs have been exposed in their first year of grazing, they will be immune in the second grazing year.
What are the symptoms of Nematodirus?
- Scour caused by the small intestine being damaged by the larval stages of the worm. The gut wall is damaged preventing transfer of nutrients and fluid exchange efficiently.
- Lack of appetite
- Dehydration and thirst – due to the lambs scouring, this can be identified by lambs crowding around water troughs.
Main risk factors:
- Grazing lambs on pasture that was grazed last season with lambs
- Weather – cold weather followed by warm weather
- Other challenges for example – cocci
- Lambs under stress – fostered lambs, larger litter groups.
Recommended actions:
- Use the SCOPS Nematodirus forecast – this is updated daily using weather data, and it will show the risk for your area.
- Don’t graze young lambs on pasture that was grazed the previous year with lambs
- Discuss fecal egg counting and treatment with a vet or a qualified SQP
For more information use the SCOPS website:
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