Controlling pesky parasites 

First person 

Summer is almost here! Warm temperatures are settling in for the season and our plants have returned from dormancy. The increase in heat, and hopefully moisture, also awakens external and internal parasites.  

Parasitic control of your herd, flock, or companion animals is an important component of maintaining your animal’s overall health. Also, some parasites can be zoonotic meaning they can infect humans from the host. Understanding and managing parasites can help your family maintain their health as well. 

Several external parasites such as mites, ticks, fleas, and insects can become present in your flock, herd, or companion animals (dogs and cats). External parasites impact the animal from the outside feeding on the host by sucking on blood or feeding on the skin, scales and feathers. External parasites typically provide a poor visual appearance and can be a nuisance to the bird or animal. They can even impact production in livestock. This includes reduced weight gain, poor appetite, diarrhea, lower egg production in chickens, and other health concerns. 

Internal parasites affect the animal from the inside, typically the digestive tracts, stomach and intestines. However, some infections can even travel to other areas of the body like the lungs, heart, liver and blood. A practical example of an internal parasite is heartworm disease in dogs. These are worms that travel to the heart of our canine friends and can eventually be life threatening should they remain untreated or prevented. 

The best control of both internal and external parasites is prevention. Keeping areas clean, void of debris, and applying appropriate treatments to the area can reduce the hiding places and presence for external parasites. Fleas, ticks and mites like to hide in debris or secluded areas to locate a host. Mites infesting chickens like to be active and feed on the blood of the host during the night. This can present pale combs and waddles.  

Keeping manure controlled and fresh bedding can help reduce fly nuisances. Cleaning out water troughs consistently or managing standing/pooled water can help reduce algae buildup and mosquito populations. 

Treatment once infected will also help control the spread or reinfection of livestock and animals. Having a client patient relationship (CPR) with your veterinarian can help your veterinarian be familiar with your operation or pets. This allows you to consult with your veterinarian for advice in establishing a good prevention plan, and if necessary, treatment options appropriate for the parasite and species of animal.  

Veterinarians can also offer testing procedures to effectively identify the cause of your animal’s discomfort. This typically results in accurate eradication or controlled management. 

In closing, as temperatures rise, pest infestations can, too. Understanding how to prevent and identify infestations can be highly beneficial to your livestock, flocks, and domestic animals. Consulting with a veterinarian can be beneficial in identifying the true source of your animal’s discomfort. Enjoy the warm weather, wear your sunscreen, and keep a look out for pests! 

Program announcements 

To register for an upcoming program, call the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service at 505-565-3002. For more information, visit valenciaextension.nmsu.edu. 

• Ready, Set, GROW! Free gardening classes are being offered virtually. Registration required, please visit the link for upcoming classes and more information visit desertblooms.nmsu.edu/grow.html
• Financial Literacy Virtual Workship for New Mexico  youth ages 16-26. This is a free series offered on Zoom for Youth throughout New Mexico. Registration is required. Visit valenciaextension.nmsu.edu 
• Summer Sourdough Intermediate Class: Adult workshop from 1-2:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 15, at the Valencia County Extension Office. Participants will learn the techniques of sourdough bread-making through instruction and hands on practice. Space is limited. Call the extension office to get registered at 505-565-3002. Contact Crystal Anaya or Sierra Cain for more information.
• Mediterranean on a Budget: Join us from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday, May 20, at Peralta Methodist Church for this hands-on workshop, where participants will learn more about the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, and how to meal plan on a budget. Participants will then make a selection of Mediterranean dishes for sampling. Call the Valencia County CES Office to register at 505-565-3002. Lab fee is $10, to be paid in advance by May 15.
• Book Origami: Come join us from 9:30-11 a.m., Tuesday, June 11, at the Valencia County CES Office in Los Lunas. Participants will learn the technique of folding pages to design beautiful book gifts. Participants will need to bring one hardback book with more than  400 pages. Call the Valencia County CES Office to register at 505-565-3002 for this free class.
• Extension Homesteading and You Series: Homemade with Love from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Wednesday, July 17, at the Valencia County CES Office to make and take home some vanilla, herb infuse oil, whipped honey and herb infused salts. Call the Valencia County CES Office to get register at 505-565-3002 for a morning full of fun and delightful homemade items you can keep for yourself or share with ones you love. Lab fee is $10 to participate, to be paid in advance by July 12, limited space is available for this lab.
• Young Chef Class: Youth for 10-18 can join us at the Valencia County Extension Office as we host Young Chef Classes on Monday and Tuesday this summer. This will be a hands-on class from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on June 4, 11, 17, 18 and July 1, 2, 15 and 16. Youth will learn about food safety, knife skills, nutrition, kitchen professionalism, Herbs and much more. Call the Valencia County CES Office to register at 505-565-3002 for this free Class. Space is extremely limited.