CAMELID DEWORMING

In this part of the country, LAMA strongly recommends camelids be dewormed with ivermectin injection or doramectin (Dectomax) every 4 weeks. This is specifically to prevent meningeal worm infection. This parasite, Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, is ingested by small ruminants and camelids, while grazing and it is not seen on fecal examination, as domestic small ruminants and camelids are considered dead end hosts. This means that the parasite kills its host in the process of completing its life cycle. We recommend that this schedule be followed from about March 15 through January 1. In the interim months, a double dose deworming with fenbendazole is recommended.