Smallholders Worm Advice Service
Sorry, as of June 2023 can't take any new clients until we find some extra help.
If you have ever sent us a sample before then please continue to send your samples to Emily as usual
PIGS
&PARASITES
Submission
Form
Pigs take an essential role on the smallholding - they provide much of the fun & are often the most reliable source of income.
Good parasite control can increase the quality of weaners you sell or improve their growth & feed conversion rate. Most wormers have a 28 day meat withdrawal period - so plan ahead.
All outdoor pigs are susceptible to worms.
Recommended pig FEC testing frequency: pre-breeding, pre-sale, 8 weeks before intended slaughter date
Cost of WEC test: £14.50 up to 5 samples
This can be a mix&match of species across the farm
ascarids
aka the Roundworms:
Ascaris suum
SYMPTOMS
Stunted growth
Coughing
Weight loss
Intestinal obstruction
Jaundice & liver failure
Low kill weight & rejected livers due to 'milk spots' - white scars from larval migration through the liver & the lungs
WHIPWORM
aka Trichuris suis
SYMPTOMS
Stunting
Bloody, mucoid diarrhoea
Rectal prolapse
Low kill weight, very poor feed conversion rates
Nodular Worm
aka Oesophagostomum dentatum
SYMPTOMS
Nodules in the intestines
Poor body condition
Diarrhoea
Condemnation of the intestines at abattoir
coccidia
aka Coccidiosis:
Eimeria, Isospora
SYMPTOMS
Mainly affects piglets:
Diarrhoea (often pasty)
Blood & mucus in faeces
Skinny
Permanent gut damage
Healthy adults will often have coccidia in their faeces - interpret positive samples with care before using a coccidiostat