Why are parasites such a problem on small farms?
Internal parasites live in an animal's digestive tract and release eggs in manure. The eggs hatch on pasture, and animals pick up the larvae while grazing. On a small acreage where animals graze the same ground repeatedly, the load on the pasture can build quickly.
Young animals, animals in late pregnancy or nursing, and animals under stress are most vulnerable. Some parasites cause anemia, weight loss and poor growth, and in severe cases can kill.
Different species carry different parasites, and some do not pass between species at all. That is one reason mixed or alternating grazing can help, and also why advice for cattle may not fit goats or sheep.
What signs should I watch for?
Signs vary by parasite and species, but common ones include weight loss, poor coat or fleece, dull appearance, loose manure, a swelling under the jaw in some animals, and pale tissue around the eyes or gums that suggests anemia. Some animals show very little until they are quite sick.
A veterinarian or an extension specialist can teach you how to check for pale tissue in sheep and goats and how to judge body condition by touch. Learn these skills from someone who can show you in person.
How does grazing management help?
The most reliable control happens on the ground, not in a bottle. Rotating animals so that they do not graze the same area back to back lets larvae die off before animals return. Avoiding very short grazing helps too, since many larvae live low in the grass.
Resting a pasture, mixing species that do not share the same parasites, grazing hay fields after cutting, and avoiding overstocking all reduce the load. How long pastures need to rest depends on climate and season, so ask your extension office for guidance for your area.
Keep in mind that weather matters. Warm, wet conditions favor larvae survival on pasture, while hot, dry spells and hard freezes reduce it, so your extension office can help you judge risk seasons for your area.
- Do not graze young, vulnerable animals on the most heavily contaminated pasture
- Keep animals from eating feed or hay off wet ground where manure collects
- Provide feeders that keep feed off the ground
- Do not overstock
- Quarantine and check new animals before they join the group
What is a fecal egg count and why does it matter?
A fecal egg count is a lab or clinic test that estimates how many parasite eggs an animal is shedding. It helps your vet decide whether treatment is needed, which animals need it, and whether past treatments worked.
Testing before treating is more effective than treating on a calendar. Treating animals that do not need it can speed up resistance, which means the products stop working. Resistance is a serious and growing problem, especially in small ruminants.
Should I deworm on a schedule?
Blanket schedules are discouraged by many extension specialists because they contribute to resistance. Treatment decisions are best made by your veterinarian, based on testing, animal signs, season and your pasture history.
This article does not recommend products or doses, and neither should you rely on label guesses from friends. Ask your vet which animals to treat, what to use for your species, and how to confirm it worked. Rules on what may be sold or given vary by state.
Keep any treatment records, including the date, the animal and what your vet directed, so that you and your vet can judge later whether treatment worked.
What records and habits keep parasites in check?
Keep a record of which pastures each group grazed and when, fecal test dates and results, body condition notes and any treatments your vet directed. Over time you will see which fields and which animals cause trouble.
Breeding and culling decisions can help too, since some animals handle parasites better than others. Keep animals at a healthy weight with good nutrition, which helps them fight off a parasite load.
How do I plan for external parasites and other pests?
Internal worms are only part of the picture. Lice, mites, ticks and flies can irritate animals, damage coats and spread disease. Regular hands-on checks, especially in cold months when animals are crowded or in warm months when pests multiply, help you catch these early.
Treatment choices depend on species and product rules, including limits for animals that provide milk or meat, so ask your vet before using anything. Good housing, clean bedding and regular grooming limit many pests. Keep new arrivals apart and inspect them closely before they join the herd.
- Check skin and coat by hand every few weeks
- Quarantine and inspect new animals
- Keep bedding clean and dry
- Ask your vet before using any pest product
Key takeaways
- Parasites are managed, not eliminated.
- Rotate pastures and avoid grazing too short.
- Test before treating, and let your vet decide on treatment.
- Blanket calendar deworming speeds up resistance.
- Track pastures, tests and animals in simple records.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.