Decision Guide • 5–7 min read
Do My Sheep Have Barber's Pole?
Quick Answer
Barber's Pole is one of the most serious worm problems affecting sheep in the North Island and upper South Island.
The earlier you recognise the signs, the easier it is to treat. This guide will help you spot the early warning signs before Barber's Pole really takes hold.
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Before You Start
Important welfare note before using this guide.
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Before You Start
Important welfare note before using this guide.
Barber's Pole worms are blood-sucking worms.
Unlike many other worms, affected sheep often don't scour. Instead they gradually become anaemic as the worms remove blood from the body.
If a sheep is extremely weak, unable to stand or severely pale, don't delay treatment while trying to confirm the diagnosis. Contact your veterinarian if you're concerned about the sheep's welfare.
Step 1 of 5
Does This Sheep Need Immediate Treatment?
Barber's Pole can progress quickly. Start by checking whether the sheep already needs urgent action.
Step 1 of 5
Does This Sheep Need Immediate Treatment?
Barber's Pole can progress quickly. Start by checking whether the sheep already needs urgent action.
Check These First
- Struggling to keep up with the mob.
- Very pale lower eyelids or gums.
- Severe bottle jaw.
- Rapidly losing condition.
- Collapsing or unable to rise.
- Rapid breathing after minor movement.
Example
A sheep that is weak, has pale inner eyelids, gums or skin and bottle jaw shouldn't wait for further investigation.
Healthy pink skin lamb vs an unwell pale skin boittle jaw lamb with Barbers Pole.
Ready To Continue...
If none of these emergency signs apply, continue and look for earlier Barber's Pole warning signs.
Step 2 of 5
Are The Early Signs There?
This is where lifestyle owners can make the biggest difference. Early Barber's Pole often looks like a sheep that's simply not doing as well as the rest. Don't wait for bottle jaw. Pale inner eyelids or gums and subtle changes in behaviour are often seen first.
Step 2 of 5
Are The Early Signs There?
This is where lifestyle owners can make the biggest difference. Early Barber's Pole often looks like a sheep that's simply not doing as well as the rest. Don't wait for bottle jaw. Pale inner eyelids or gums and subtle changes in behaviour are often seen first.
Check These Signs
- Becoming lighter.
- Slightly pale gums or lower eyelids.
- Falling behind the mob.
- Less energy than usual.
- Early bottle jaw beginning to develop.
- Looking “not quite right”.
Example
Early Barber's Pole may look like a lamb or ewe that's quieter, lighter and slower than normal before bottle jaw develops.
Pink gums vs Pale gums. The earlier you notice a sheep falling behind, losing colour or becoming lighter, the better the chance of acting before it becomes serious.
Ready To Continue...
If several of these signs are present, continue and check the lower eyelid colour.
Step 3 of 5
Check The Lower Eyelid
One of the best ways to detect Barber's Pole early is by checking the colour inside the lower eyelid in good natural light. The eyelid can be much more reliable than checking the gums.
Step 3 of 5
Check The Lower Eyelid
One of the best ways to detect Barber's Pole early is by checking the colour inside the lower eyelid in good natural light. The eyelid can be much more reliable than checking the gums.
Check These First
- Pull down the lower eyelid gently.
- Check the colour in good natural light.
- Bright pink to red usually suggests healthy colour.
- Pale pink means monitor closely and look for other signs.
- Very pale or white is a high concern.
Example
Healthy sheep should have pink lower eyelids. Pale eyelids suggest anaemia and should immediately make you consider Barber's Pole.
Use a simple three-stage approach: pink is healthy, pale pink needs closer attention, and very pale or white should be treated as high concern.
Ready To Continue...
If the eyelids are becoming noticeably pale, continue and consider the wider risk on your block.
Step 4 of 5
Are Conditions Favouring Barber's Pole?
Barber's Pole doesn't appear randomly. Certain conditions make problems more likely, especially when vulnerable sheep are grazing contaminated pasture.
Step 4 of 5
Are Conditions Favouring Barber's Pole?
Barber's Pole doesn't appear randomly. Certain conditions make problems more likely, especially when vulnerable sheep are grazing contaminated pasture.
Check These First
- Warm, humid weather.
- Grass staying damp.
- Sheep grazing short pasture.
- Young sheep or lambs are affected first.
- Barber's Pole has been a problem on your block before.
- Sheep have been grazing the same paddocks repeatedly.
Example
Barber's Pole often becomes a bigger problem after extended periods of warm weather, especially where sheep are grazing short pasture.
Short pasture can increase Barber's Pole risk dramatically, particularly for lambs and vulnerable sheep.
Ready To Continue...
If several of these risk factors apply, continue and decide whether to act, confirm or monitor closely.
Step 5 of 5
Time To Decide
Use the signs, eyelid colour and risk on your block to decide whether to drench now, confirm first or keep monitoring.
Step 5 of 5
Time To Decide
Use the signs, eyelid colour and risk on your block to decide whether to drench now, confirm first or keep monitoring.
Barber's Pole Looks Likely If...
- There are several signs of Barber's Pole.
- Eyelids and/or gums are becoming pale.
- Conditions favour Barber's Pole.
- There isn't another obvious explanation.
Make Your Decision
If the sheep has pale eyelids, bottle jaw or is becoming weak: Don't delay treatment.
If you are still unsure: Confirm with a worm count, or continue monitoring the eyelid colour closely if the sheep is bright and eating.
Barber's Pole can progress quickly. The goal isn't to wait until a sheep develops severe bottle jaw or collapses. The goal is to recognise the early warning signs and act before the sheep becomes seriously ill.