Hookworm in Sheep and Goats

This parasite is rarely a problem.

The hookworm of sheep or goats infects the small intestine. The pre-patent period (the time from infection to appearance of eggs in the dung) is one to two months. Larvae infect sheep or goats when they are eaten with the pasture or by the larvae penetrating the skin (they then migrate to the gastrointestinal tract).

Hookworm is a stout worm (20 mm long) with a large mouth and a body that may appear to be hook shaped. It prefers warmer, higher rainfall regions but it is now not often seen. Hookworms may cause diarrhoea, anaemia and sore feet from infection at the site of larval entry. In a WormTest, its eggs are fairly similar to others seen in sheep or goat faeces.

Further ecological information on worms and their control:

• Roundworm life cycle
• Grazing management
• Factors contributing to paddock contamination with worms
• Larval survival of barber’s pole worm
• Scour worm larvae on pasture