Parasite Prevention in Donkeys

An Educational Guide from PVDR EARS

Caring for a donkey means caring for what you can see… and what you can’t.

Parasites, both internal and external, are a natural part of the equine world. Left unmanaged, they can quietly impact a donkey’s weight, coat condition, comfort, and overall health. With thoughtful prevention, routine monitoring, and veterinary guidance, parasite burdens can be kept low and donkeys can thrive.

This guide is designed to help donkey owners understand the risks, recognize the signs, and implement effective prevention strategies.

Partnering With Your Veterinarian

Every effective parasite prevention plan begins with a veterinarian.

Deworming is not a one-size-fits-all schedule. Factors such as climate, pasture conditions, herd size, age, and overall health all influence what protocol will work best. A veterinarian may recommend fecal egg count testing to determine what parasites are present and whether treatment is necessary.

This targeted approach prevents over-deworming, reduces medication resistance, and ensures your donkey receives the most effective treatment at the right time.

Understanding Internal Parasites

Internal parasites live within the digestive system and other organs. While small in size, their impact can be significant.

Common internal parasites affecting donkeys include strongyles (often called bloodworms), roundworms, pinworms, tapeworms, and lungworms. These parasites feed on nutrients meant for the donkey, damage internal tissues, and can lead to chronic weight loss, digestive upset, and decreased immunity.

Because different parasites respond to different medications, identifying the specific parasite load through fecal testing is key to successful treatment.

Dewormers: Not All the Same

Dewormers are formulated to target specific parasites. Some address intestinal worms, while others also affect bots or encysted larvae. A few medications even provide coverage against certain external parasites.

For example, ivermectin is widely used to treat strongyles, roundworms, and pinworms, and it can also assist in controlling lice and mites. Moxidectin offers extended action and is effective against encysted strongyles but must be used carefully. Fenbendazole and pyrantel products treat additional intestinal worms, while praziquantel is specifically used for tapeworms.

Because each medication works differently, your veterinarian may recommend rotational or targeted use rather than routine blanket dosing.

External Parasites: More Than a Nuisance

While internal parasites work quietly, external parasites tend to announce themselves.

Lice are among the most common, particularly during colder months when donkeys grow thick winter coats. Infestations often reveal themselves through excessive itching, rubbing, patchy hair loss, and a dull, unthrifty coat. Tiny eggs, called nits, may be visible along hair shafts.

Mites, which cause mange, burrow into the skin and create intense irritation. Affected donkeys may develop thickened skin, hair loss, and crusted lesions, particularly on the legs, neck, and face. Veterinary diagnosis is important, as treatment may require medicated washes or systemic medications.

Fly Control: Prevention at the Source

Flies are more than a seasonal annoyance. They spread disease, irritate sensitive skin, and create stress that can lead to weight loss and behavioral agitation.

At Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, our preferred method of fly control is the use of fly predators. These beneficial insects target flies before they ever hatch. By laying their eggs in fly pupae found in manure, they interrupt the life cycle and reduce populations naturally.

Fly predators offer several advantages. They are environmentally friendly, safe for animals, and highly effective when used consistently. Rather than chasing adult flies with sprays alone, this method addresses the problem at its source.

Additional measures such as fly masks, protective sheets, fans in shelters, and regular manure removal can further reduce fly pressure.

Ticks: Small but Serious

Ticks present both irritation and disease risks, and one surprising way they can enter a property is through transported hay.

Hay brought in from other regions may carry ticks native to entirely different environments. Once introduced, they can spread quickly through pastures and animals.

Routine prevention includes inspecting hay deliveries, storing hay off the ground, and maintaining clean storage areas. Donkeys should be checked regularly, especially around the ears, mane, tail head, and underbelly where ticks tend to attach.

Equine-approved repellents, permethrin sprays, protective sheets, and pasture management practices such as brush control can all help reduce exposure. Always consult a veterinarian before applying any topical products.

Fleas and Other Hitchhikers

While less common than in small animals, fleas can affect donkeys, particularly in environments shared with dogs, cats, or wildlife. Prevention centers on environmental control, proper sanitation, and use of veterinarian-approved treatments when necessary.

Signs Your Donkey May Have Parasites

Parasites rarely introduce themselves politely. Instead, they leave clues.

A donkey struggling with parasites may begin to lose weight despite eating normally. The coat may appear dull or rough, shedding may slow, and a pot-bellied appearance can develop. Some donkeys experience diarrhea, tail rubbing, lethargy, or coughing in the case of lungworms.

Because these signs overlap with other health conditions, observation alone cannot confirm parasites.

Knowing for Sure: Diagnostic Testing

Fecal egg count testing provides clear answers.

By analyzing manure samples, veterinarians can identify parasite species, measure burden levels, and determine whether deworming is needed. This science-based method ensures treatments are both necessary and effective.

When Hair Loss Isn’t Parasites

Not all hair loss points to worms or lice.

Skin fungus, including ringworm, can create circular bald patches, crusting, and skin irritation that closely resemble parasite damage. Fungal infections may stem from moisture, weakened immunity, poor nutrition, or contaminated equipment.

Because causes vary widely, proper diagnosis is essential. Veterinary skin scrapings or cultures may be required to determine the source and guide treatment.

Building a Prevention Program

Effective parasite prevention blends medical care with environmental stewardship.

Routine veterinary consultation, fecal testing, strategic deworming, manure management, pasture rotation, grooming, and fly control all work together to protect donkey health.

Parasite control is not about eliminating every organism. It is about balance, management, and early intervention.

Closing Thought

Healthy donkeys shine from the inside out. Their coats glow, their weight stays steady, and their comfort shows in every relaxed step across the pasture.

Through thoughtful parasite prevention, owners play a direct role in preserving that wellbeing… one fecal test, one fly predator release, and one watchful eye at a time.