FAMACHA: A Guide to Assessing Anaemia in Livestock
How Often Should Smallholders Use FAMACHA?
During high barber’s pole worm risk, score each sheep and goat weekly. In low risk periods, score monthly. Use FAMACHA alongside other indicators such as worm egg counts, body condition, pasture risk, and recent weather.
What Does FAMACHA Scoring Measure?
FAMACHA assesses anaemia by checking the colour of the conjunctiva inside the lower eyelid and comparing it to a FAMACHA card. The colour reflects red blood cell levels. Record a score from 1 to 5 for each animal and use the result to guide targeted drenching decisions.
FAMACHA system helps slow drench resistance in the barber’s pole worm by treating only the animals that need it. Instead of drenching the whole mob, you assess each animal for anaemia and leave some worms in refugia. This keeps effective drenches working for longer.
What is FAMACHA?
It is a simple eye-mucosa scoring method. You gently pull down the lower eyelid and compare the conjunctiva colour to a scored chart from 1 to 5. Score 1 is red with no anaemia. Score 5 is pale or white with severe anaemia. The score helps you decide whether to drench an individual or, if many are affected, the whole mob.
Why use FAMACHA instead of whole-mob drenching?
Targeted treatment reduces chemical use, preserves drench efficacy, and focuses effort on high-risk animals. It also fits well with worm egg counts and seasonal risk planning.
How do you score correctly?
- Handle calmly and restrain safely.
- Work in good natural light, avoid shade and dust.
- Expose the lower eyelid and view the conjunctiva, not the inner lip or sclera.
- Compare immediately to the scoring card and record the result.
- Clean hands and equipment between animals.
When should you drench based on the score?
| FAMACHA Score | Meaning | Suggested Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No anaemia | Do not drench, monitor |
| 2 | Mild anaemia | Usually do not drench, recheck soon |
| 3 | Borderline | Drench if animal is young, thin, pregnant, or if many score 3 |
| 4 | Moderate anaemia | Drench and monitor recovery |
| 5 | Severe anaemia | Drench urgently, seek veterinary advice |
Who should use FAMACHA in Australia?
It suits smallholders of sheep and goats in regions with barber’s pole worm. On large commercial farms, frequent scoring can be hard. Many producers combine spot scoring during risk periods with worm egg counts and targeted selective treatment.
Limitations and safety
- FAMACHA targets anaemia from barber’s pole worm. It does not detect all parasites or other causes of anaemia.
- Score in consistent light and record results by animal ID and date.
- Pair scoring with faecal egg counts, pasture management, and rotation of drench actives.
- If animals are weak, collapsed, or not improving, contact your veterinarian.
Quick answers
Does FAMACHA replace worm egg counts No, use both for better decisions. Will it stop resistance It slows resistance by leaving worms in refugia. How often should I score More often in warm, wet periods and when young stock are at risk.
How Often Should Smallholders Use FAMACHA?
Score each animal weekly during high barber’s pole risk. In low risk periods, score monthly. Use FAMACHA with other indicators such as worm egg counts and body condition.
What Is FAMACHA Scoring?
FAMACHA checks the colour of the conjunctiva inside the lower eyelid. The colour reflects red blood cell levels and helps detect anaemia caused by barber’s pole worm.
FAMACHA Score Meanings
- 1 Red, no anaemia.
- 2 Red pink, mild anaemia.
- 3 Pink, borderline.
- 4 Pink white, moderate anaemia.
- 5 White, severe anaemia.
Sheep often reach a deep score 1 red. Goats rarely do. Scores of 4 and 5 indicate significant anaemia in goats.
When Should You Drench Based on the Score?
| Score | Meaning | Suggested Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No anaemia | Do not drench, monitor |
| 2 | Mild anaemia | Usually do not drench, recheck soon |
| 3 | Borderline | Drench if young, lactating, thin, or on poor feed. Otherwise recheck in one week. |
| 4 | Moderate anaemia | Drench and monitor recovery |
| 5 | Severe anaemia | Drench urgently, seek veterinary advice |
How To Check Eye Colour, Step by Step
- Handle calmly and restrain the head.
- Press gently on the closed upper eyelid to seat the eye.
- Pull down the lower lid to expose the conjunctiva.
- Ignore the third eyelid, it is usually paler and not scored.
- Hold the FAMACHA card next to the conjunctiva and choose the closest match.
About FAMACHA Cards and Training
- Official cards use specific colours for accuracy.
- Do not rely on home printed cards. Colours may be wrong and lead to errors.
- Cards are copyrighted. Use authorised cards only.
- Training improves consistency and confidence. In Australia, cards and training are available through accredited programs.
Tip: Record each score by animal ID and date. Combine results with worm egg counts and seasonal risk to plan targeted treatments and slow drench resistance.
