CANTON -- The results of recent research into barber pole worm will be shared at a Dec. 4 Cornell Cooperative Extension meeting at 7 p.m. at the learning farm.

Seventy-three percent of 273 respondents to a recent Cornell survey indicated problems with barber pole worm, a major cause of death in small livestock such as sheep and goats.

As a result, the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program and Cornell Cooperative Extensions staffers are researching alternative methods for controlling the parasite.

Haemonchus contortus is a stomach parasite commonly known as barber pole worm. The parasite has become increasingly resistant to traditional anthelmintic – anti-worming – treatments.

“Barber pole worm is widespread throughout our regional grazing pastures and particularly flourishes under wet and warm conditions as were prevalent throughout the summer of 2013,” said extension Regional Livestock Team Leader Betsy Hodge. “Many North Country sheep and goat farmers already report barber pole parasite resistance to multiple deworming medications.”

Two North Country sheep farms and one goat producer participated in the evaluation of the use of copper oxide wire particles in conjunction with pasture rotation rest periods to reduce barber pole infections. Sheep and goat producers in the southeastern United States have seen good results with this treatment.

For more information call 379-9192.