By Ndumiso Tshuma
As livestock management becomes increasingly vital to agricultural success, experts are raising concerns about the deworming of pregnant animals, cautioning farmers about potential risks when safety protocols are overlooked.
Nqobani Manyabi, an animal specialist at EL Ganado Consultancy, emphasised the critical need to understand the implications of deworming during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester.
“Some dewormers can be dangerous to developing foetuses, especially during the first trimester when organ formation is underway,” said Manyabi.
He explained that the improper use of certain dewormers can have severe consequences, including abortion.
“Dewormers that are not safe for pregnant animals can damage the foetus’s organs, causing foetal death and resulting in abortion,” Manyabi added.
Manyabi highlighted the various ways harmful dewormers can negatively affect pregnancies in goats and cattle. Some treatments, he explained, can stimulate uterine contractions, triggering premature labour and resulting in weak or stillborn offspring.
“Dewormers may enter the bloodstream, cross the placenta, and expose the foetus to toxicity, which can lead to foetal death. Compounding the issue is the risk posed by a rapid die-off of worms in heavily infested animals during treatment,” he said.
The sudden death of a large worm population can release toxins into the bloodstream, which may cross the placenta and harm the developing foetus.
Manyabi urged livestock farmers to adopt a cautious approach when deworming pregnant animals.
“Farmers must ensure they only use dewormers proven to be safe during pregnancy and strictly adhere to the correct dosage,” he said.
He also called on farmers to consult veterinarians before administering any treatments to pregnant livestock to avoid unintended consequences.
“Careful management and professional guidance are essential to safeguarding the health of both the mother and her unborn offspring,” Manyabi concluded.
