A blood feeding roundworm parasite (Haemonchus contortus) of the abomasum, or true stomach, of sheep and goats, named for the red and white spiral pattern of the blood filled gut visible through its translucent body, that causes severe anemia and can kill animals rapidly in heavy infestations. It is considered the most economically important internal parasite of small ruminants in warm and humid grazing regions worldwide, and widespread resistance to anthelmintic drugs has made it a major focus of parasite management research.
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Sheep, Livestock The barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) is the most economically significant gastrointestinal parasite of sheep.
Sources
1. Barber Pole Worm (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationOpening definition paragraph
Haemonchus contortus, also known as the barberpole worm, is a very common parasite and one of the most pathogenic nematodes of ruminants. Adult worms attach to abomasal mucosa and feed on the blood. This parasite is responsible for anemia, oedema, and death of infected sheep and goats, mainly during summer in warm, humid climates.
lead description
A blood feeding roundworm parasite (Haemonchus contortus) of the abomasum, or true stomach, of sheep and goats, named for the red and white spiral pattern of the blood filled gut visible through its translucent body, that causes severe anemia and can kill animals rapidly in heavy infestations.
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