Producers should let at least one month pass before becoming convinced that the animal has been successfully treated. The larval migration of P. tenuis can take from ten days to over three months, so some producers are using injectable Ivomec monthly for up to four months during the at-risk seasons. This, of course, can get very expensive for meat-goat producers. Although laboratory testing of the cerebrospinal fluid produces an accurate diagnosis, the key to treatment of Meningeal Worm infection is early aggressive treatment. If all indications tell the producer that the goat is infected with P. tenuis, forget the testing and get on with treatment.
Prevention is difficult.
The only proven preventative medication is administering injectable Ivomec monthly during slug and snail season. Fence off ponds and swamps so goats cannot become exposed to slugs and snails. Treatment can be unsuccessful, even when the disease is caught in its early stages. Prevention is the key to avoiding this devastating disease. We would appreciate notification from any clubs or publications when the articles are used.