Spring Parasite Prevention for Livestock: Protecting Your Herd’s Health

Preparing for Parasites in a Northern California Spring

Spring in northern California brings warmer temperatures and renewed pasture growth—along with a significant rise in parasite activity. For livestock owners, this seasonal shift requires timely action to prevent internal and external parasites from impacting herd health.

Without proactive measures, parasitic infections can lead to weight loss, reduced productivity, and long-term health complications. At Mid-Valley Veterinary, we’re here to help you develop a customized spring parasite prevention plan for your cattle, sheep, goats, or horses. Contact our clinic to schedule your spring wellness visits today.

Why Spring Prompts a Parasite Surge

Rising spring temperatures and damp conditions create an ideal environment for parasite populations to flourish. Livestock grazing close to the soil during early spring are especially vulnerable to ingesting larvae and eggs shed in manure from the previous season.

Starting parasite control early helps reduce the burden later in the season—when unchecked infestations can become costly and harder to manage. Read more in this article from AgriLife Today,

Internal Parasites to Watch by Species

Cattle

• Common internal parasites: Nematodes, liver flukes, and coccidia
• These organisms reduce feed efficiency and immune response.
• Learn how to manage spring nematodes in cattle

Sheep & Goats

• High-risk parasites: Haemonchus contortus (barber pole worm), tapeworms, coccidia
• Barber pole worms are blood-sucking parasites that can cause anemia and sudden death.
• Controlling Internal Parasites in Sheep and Goats

Horses

• Typical threats: Strongyles, ascarids, and bots
• Young horses are especially vulnerable.
• Equine Internal Parasites – Penn State Extension

Economic Impact

Unchecked parasite infestations reduce growth rates, milk and wool yield, reproduction, and overall productivity. The USDA outlines how parasitic diseases can lead to significant economic losses.

Ectoparasites in Spring

In addition to internal worms, livestock in Orland, CA must contend with a variety of ectoparasites as the weather warms:

• Ticks: Transmit diseases and cause localized irritation
• Lice and mites: Lead to hair loss, skin infections, and poor condition
• Flies: Cause stress and may carry infectious agents

Beef Cattle Ectoparasites – OSU Extension provides additional insights into ectoparasite control strategies.

Lifecycle Dynamics and the Importance of Strategic Timing

Parasites often overwinter in both pastures and animals. When livestock return to spring grazing, they reintroduce larvae into the environment, perpetuating the cycle.

• Gastrointestinal worm burdens typically peak during spring and summer (Ohio State resource)
• Spring turnout is a key time for interventions to prevent environmental contamination

Properly timed deworming disrupts this cycle and reduces pasture contamination later in the season.

Diagnostic Tools: Fecal Egg Counts and Targeted Deworming

One of the most effective tools for spring parasite management is the Fecal Egg Count (FEC). This test measures the number of parasite eggs in manure, helping identify high-shedding animals and guide treatment plans.

• Targeted Selective Treatment (TST) involves deworming only those animals who need it
• TST reduces drug resistance and improves long-term control
• Wisconsin Extension offers insights into using life cycle knowledge and FECs for sheep management

Parasite Management by Species

Cattle

• Deworm strategically at spring turnout
• Use injectables or pour-ons based on herd needs
• Implement fly control early
• Spring Parasite Control in Cattle – Mississippi State

Sheep and Goats

• Monitor for anthelmintic resistance, especially with barber pole worms
• Use FAMACHA scoring and rotational grazing to reduce exposure
• Managing Worms on Summer Pastures

Horses

• Base deworming protocols on FEC results and risk factors
• Adjust schedules depending on age and seasonal exposure

Incorporating Parasite Control into Spring Wellness

Parasite prevention works best when combined with overall herd health management.

At Mid-Valley Veterinary, we recommend including:

• Vaccinations appropriate to species and region
• Nutrition planning for spring performance
• Full herd health packages tailored to your operation

Services from Mid-Valley Veterinary

We offer comprehensive support for livestock producers across northern California:

• On-site visits and herd health consultations
• In-house and external lab diagnostics
• Custom parasite prevention protocols based on species, pasture use, and herd size

Explore our full range of large animal services, or contact us to start planning your spring strategy.

Spring is a critical time for proactive parasite prevention. By acting early, you can reduce parasite pressure throughout the grazing season and protect both animal health and profitability.

Mid-Valley Veterinary is here to help you build a science-backed prevention plan that fits your unique operation. Visit our website to learn more or schedule your spring wellness visit today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is spring the best time for parasite prevention?

Spring is when dormant parasites become active and animals begin grazing. Timely prevention blocks summer outbreaks and pasture contamination.

How do fecal egg counts help?

FECs measure how many parasite eggs are present in manure, helping guide effective, targeted treatment while reducing resistance.

Can parasites affect livestock performance?

Yes. They reduce feed efficiency, growth rates, reproduction, and milk/wool output—impacting both animal welfare and profitability.

Does my livestock operation need a custom plan?

Absolutely. Every farm is different. Mid-Valley Veterinary can develop tailored plans based on herd size, species, pasture access, and goals.