FARMERS are being warned to be on the look out for Barber's Pole worm, which can thrive in warm, moist conditions.
The Victorian Department of Primary Industries issued the warning today.
District veterinary officer Jeff Cave said female Barber's Pole worms can produce up to 10,000 eggs a day which would lead to pasture contamination.
"Barber's Pole worm larvae are eaten by sheep during grazing," Dr Cave said.
"The worms suck blood leading to anemia and bottle-jaw but not necessarily weight loss or diarrhea.
"Just 1000 adult Barber's Pole worms can remove 50ml of blood from a sheep per day."He said the worms could be detected at post mortem or in live animals by a faecal egg count.
