Gastrointestinal nematodes, commonly
known as worms, present the greatest
danger to the goat industry in the Southeastern
region of the United States. Haemonchus
contortus, commonly referred to
as the barber pole worm, is a clinical
problem for goats. Anemia, low packed cell
volume (PCV), diarrhea, dehydration,
peripheral, and internal fluid accumulation
are common signs of barber pole worm
infestation. Infested goats have lower
growth rates, markedly reduced reproductive
performance, and have higher rates of
illness and death. Consequently, H.
contortus may account for greatly reduced
profits in a goat operation.