Summary
This narrative review examines the diagnosis, treatment and management of Haemonchus contortus, a highly pathogenic blood-feeding nematode causing significant mortality in small ruminants, particularly in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions. The authors synthesise evidence on clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques, anthelmintic treatment options (constrained by widespread resistance), and preventative strategies including animal management, genetic and nutritional approaches, monitoring protocols, and emerging interventions such as biological control and vaccination. The review emphasises that effective control programmes must be tailored to local epidemiology, enterprise type, and haemonchosis risk, whilst maintaining anthelmintic efficacy through refugia-based treatment schedules.
Regional applicability
Haemonchosis occurs periodically in the United Kingdom during favourable environmental conditions, though the endemic threat is lower than in tropical and subtropical regions. The diagnostic and management principles—particularly FAMACHA monitoring, anthelmintic resistance detection, and genetic selection for resistance—are directly applicable to UK sheep and goat farming. However, the epidemiology and year-round transmission pressure differ markedly from endemic zones, requiring adaptation of control strategies to UK climate and production systems.
Key measures
Diagnostic methods (anaemia detection, FAMACHA conjunctival-colour index, faecal egg counts); anthelmintic efficacy and resistance patterns; preventative management strategies including genetic, nutritional, and vaccination approaches
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises evidence on diagnostic techniques (clinical, postmortem, and monitoring methods including FAMACHA and faecal egg counts), therapeutic options (anthelmintics and emerging approaches), and integrated management strategies for controlling Haemonchus contortus in small ruminant production systems.
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