Five-Point Internal Parasite Check
Nose: Discharges from the nose may indicate nasal bot fly (Oestrus ovis).
Eyes: anaemia (as determined by the use of FAMACHA©) may be due to wireworm (Haemonchus contortus) and other worm species that cause anaemic conditions such as hookworm
Jaw: A soft subcutaneous swelling below the jaw is known as the bottle jaw. This is another symptom of worm species that cause anaemia.
Back: Body condition scoring is the assessment of overall condition of the animal. If only a few in the flock show poor condition, this may show worms that suppress the animals’ appetite such as bankrupt worm, brown stomach worm and conical fluke.
Tail: Parasites such as conical fluke and roundworms cause mild or severe diarrhoea. Parasites are known to be major cause of diarrhoea therefore the farmer needs to treat those with visible diarrhoea.
