[Dragon]

 
Having had fairy high worm counts done on my kids (4 x 6 month old GG's) & subsequent administration of medication; obviously assuming their turnout/pasture is now contaminated, how long do the worms & their eggs survive on the ground?  For instance, will hard frost/freezing conditions effectively destroy the pesky varmints?

The kids are currently yarded for the winter months, so could I assume that their turnout might be free of contamination come spring turnout?

Hope this makes sense!

[Buttermilk]

For other species a year is recommended before pasture is considered clean.  Even then there may be some carry over.

[bj_cardiff]

I think the only time you could consider it clean is after grazing it for a year with a different species. I would just consider your pastures contaminated. Either treat when something looks like it needs it or continue to take worm counts and treat when needed. As Adults they should build up an immunity.

[Anke]

Goats do not build up a tolerance to worms like sheep do - one of the main reasons why they should not be run together.
However, assuming your goats are inside for the winter months, I would worm them now and re-do a faecal test in early summer/late spring to check on nematodirus (esp if your land had sheep/lambs on it before). If you don't bring in new stock onto the land, house your goats over the winter and FEC test/worm regularly you will over time get your land worm-free. If you can sub-divide the grazing to allow rotational grazing that should help. Keeping the grass longer for the goats helps as well, but then mow at the end of the summer. A good cold winter will reduce overwintering eggs/larvae.

Also it is advised to check for wormer resistance  be redoing a FEC about 10 days post-worming.
I haven't wormed my goats in a few years now, same for the sheep - though sheep still get flukicide in a wet autumn like this year.

And btw - grazing your land with cattle in between goats or sheep is an ideal pathway for introducing Johne's into your goat herd/sheep flock.

[Dragon]

Thanks for the swift replies!

Anke:  we have wormed and will be doing another count in a few weeks.  They were tested for fluke as well but came back clear of that thank goodness!

Suffice to say though the kids are thriving, a great source of entertainment and making me smile a lot every day