Introduction
Deworming is the controlled use of medicines (anthelmintics) to eliminate internal parasites
(worms) in livestock. Worm infestations are a leading cause of poor productivity, weight loss, and mortality in cattle,sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, and even pets. Regular deworming ensures better health, faster growth, and improved milk and meat yields.
Common Worms in Livestock
● Roundworms (Nematodes): Haemonchus, Ostertagia, Trichostrongylus, Ascaris
● Tapeworms (Cestodes): Moniezia
● Flukes (Trematodes): Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke)
● Lungworms: Dictyocaulus
● Ascarids: especially in poultry and pigs (Ascaridia galli, Ascaris suum)
General Signs of Worm Infestation
● Loss of appetite and poor growth
● Diarrhoea (may contain blood/mucus)
● Swollen belly (“pot belly” in young animals)
● Pale gums and anaemia
● Rough hair coat and general weakness
● Bottle jaw (swelling under jaw due to Haemonchus contortus)
● Reduced milk yield and fertility
● Death in severe infestations
Albendazole
○ Mode of action: Blocks worm energy metabolism, leading to starvation and
death.
○ Spectrum: Broad spectrum; effective against roundworms, some tapeworms,and adult liver flukes.
○ Market examples: Albafas, Trubenzole, Bovaloze, Albevas, Nefluk, Wormita
Levamisole
○ Mode of action: Paralyzes worms’ nervous system, making them expellable.
○ Spectrum: Strong against roundworms and lungworms; less effective on flukes and tapeworms.
○ Market examples: Nilverm, Knockdown, Nilzan Super, Levas Extra, Nemarid, Super, Kapsole, Wormicid Plus-O, Nemarid Plus, Levas Diamond, Wormicid Liquid
Ivermectin
○ Mode of action: Disrupts nerve impulses, causing paralysis and death of worms and external parasites.
○ Spectrum: Effective against roundworms, lungworms, lice, mites, ticks (not effective against flukes).
○ Market example: Bendamec
Praziquantel
○ Mode of action: Alters calcium balance in parasites, leading to paralysis and
death.
○ Spectrum: Very effective against tapeworms.
○ Market examples: Ascaten P, Pet-D
Piperazine Citrate
○ Mode of action: Causes paralysis of worms, allowing them to be expelled by the gut.
○ Spectrum: Especially effective against Ascarids in poultry, pigs, and pets.
○ Market examples: Ascarex, Piperazine, Piperex
Fenbendazole
○ Mode of action: Blocks energy metabolism of worms.
○ Spectrum: Broad spectrum – kills roundworms, some tapeworms, and is effective in poultry and pets.
○ Market examples: Prazipet, Prazisam, Zerokrim
Best Practices for Deworming
● Rotate dewormers to avoid resistance buildup.
● Correct dosing is crucial – always dose according to weight.
● Strategic timing: Deworm before rains, after calving/kidding/lambing, and as recommended by a vet.
● Pasture management: Avoid overgrazing and rotate pastures to reduce worm load.
● Combine with mineral supplementation (worms cause anaemia and mineral depletion).
Economic Importance
● Improves growth rate and weight gain.
● Enhances milk, meat, and wool production.
● Prevents losses from animal deaths.
● Reduces treatment costs from secondary infections.
● Boosts market value of healthy animals.