Parasite Control in Sheep and Cattle
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from: Jenny Gibbons
Posted on: August 17, 2001

I am a 4th year student studying a BSc (honours) in Animal Science. As part of my dissertation I am researching alternative methods for internal parasite control in ruminants. I am especially interested in finding homeopathy and herbal remedies for internal parasites used on farm animals mainly sheep and cattle. I would be grateful if you could forward me any information you have on this topic and if possible any relevant research done in this area.

The elder stateswoman in the field is, of course, Juliette de Bairacli Levy who first published her book, "The Complete Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable" (available from Richters) in 1952. In that book she covers several parasites known to infect sheep and cattle (and other animals).

For worms in sheep, de Bairacli Levy recommends garlic with bran and molasses, both to treat existing cases and as a preventative. The garlic is finely chopped and mixed with the bran and molasses and fed to the animals. Or, if the animal won’t take this mixture, she describes medicine balls that can be made with garlic. This works for tapeworm and liver fluke, according to de Bairacli Levy. In severe infestations that don’t respond to the garlic treatment, she recommends a linseed and turpentine treatment. Mustard seed given with milk is also an effective vermifuge according to the author.

Cows, she writes, are much less susceptible to worms than horses and she refers readers to her section on horses. For horses she recommends a garlic treatment similar to that for sheep. For warble fly in cows, she recommends a tobacco and limewash dressing to control the worms that enter through the skin.

Likely there are other herbal therapies for parasite control in animals and we suggest that you look for a holistic veterinary medicine group in your country. In America, there is an association of holistic veterinarians called the American Holistic Veterinary Medicine Association located in Bel Air, Maryland. The association’s website is www.altvetmed.com. There you will find listings of books and related associations.

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