FAMACHA

FAMACHA (FAffa MAlan CHArt) is a selective treatment method for controlling the level of parasitic barber's pole worm (Haemonchus contortus, also known as twisted wireworm) among domesticated small ruminant populations. In contrast with earlier, more aggressive approaches, under FAMACHA only certain sheep or goats in a flock are selected for treatment. Selection for treatment is based on the degree of anemia the animals are displaying in their mucous membranes, which is assessed through a colour guided chart.^[1]

Women checking sheep herd's FAMACHA

FAMACHA being implemented

Background

The FAMACHA method of selective treatment was developed by three South African researchers (Drs Francois Malan, Gareth Bath and Jan van Wyk) against the backdrop of major anthelmintic resistance in South Africa.^[2][3][4] However, the method has since been implemented successfully in various locations around the world.^[5]

The aim of the method is to maintain a sufficient susceptible H. contortus worm population (‘refugia’) on the pasture. By only dosing those sheep in critical need of treatment, selection for worms resistant against treatment is retarded, while at the same time the farmer can monitor and cull those sheep with a poor natural resistance against these worms.^[6]

Procedure

The eye color chart estimates the level of anemia (blood loss) in small ruminants. The procedure is as follows: cover the top eyelid, gently push down on the eyelid, pull down the bottom eyelid, and the mucous membranes will pop into view.

Anemia (as observed in the mucous membrane of the eye) is assessed via a colour guided chart: a sheep with a score of 1 having a pink-red mucous membrane colour and not requiring treatment for haemonchosis; whereas a sheep with a score of 5 has white mucous membranes, requiring immediate dosing for haemonchosis and probably intensive medical treatment.