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FAMACHA Scoring Guide
The FAMACHA system is a practical, on-farm diagnostic tool that allows goat producers to identify animals suffering from anemia caused by the barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus). By evaluating the color of the lower eyelid mucous membranes, producers can make targeted deworming decisions, reduce unnecessary treatments, and slow the development of anthelmintic resistance.What Is the FAMACHA System?
FAMACHA stands for FAMAncha CHArt, named after its developer, Dr. Francois “Faffa” Malan of South Africa. The system was adapted for use in the United States through collaborative efforts between the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (ACSRPC) and university researchers. It provides a simple, color-coded scoring method that correlates the degree of anemia visible in a goat’s lower eyelid with the likely severity of Haemonchus contortus infection. The key advantage of FAMACHA is that it enables targeted selective treatment (TST), meaning only the animals that truly need deworming receive treatment. This approach preserves a population of parasites in refugia (unexposed to dewormers), which is essential for slowing resistance development.When to Use FAMACHA
- During the Haemonchus season (warm, humid months)
- As part of a regular monitoring schedule (every 2 to 4 weeks during peak season)
- When animals show signs of lethargy, poor body condition, or bottle jaw
- Before and after deworming to assess treatment efficacy
Limitations
FAMACHA only detects anemia associated with Haemonchus contortus. It does not identify infections caused by other gastrointestinal parasites such as Teladorsagia (brown stomach worm) or coccidia. A comprehensive parasite management program should combine FAMACHA with fecal egg counts and other monitoring tools.The 5-Point FAMACHA Eye Color Scale
The FAMACHA scoring card uses five color categories that correspond to the degree of anemia. Scores are assigned by comparing the color of the lower eyelid conjunctival mucous membranes against the standardized FAMACHA card.Score 1 — Red (Optimal)
The conjunctiva appears bright red, indicating a healthy packed cell volume (PCV) of approximately 28% or higher. No treatment is needed. These animals are demonstrating resilience or resistance to Haemonchus and are valuable genetics to retain in the herd.Score 2 — Red-Pink (Acceptable)
The conjunctiva appears red-pink, corresponding to a PCV of roughly 23% to 27%. Generally, no treatment is required. Monitor these animals more closely during peak parasite season.Score 3 — Pink (Borderline)
The conjunctiva appears pink, indicating a PCV of approximately 18% to 22%. Treatment decisions should be made in context. Consider deworming if the animal also shows poor body condition, is in late pregnancy, or is a young kid. Recheck in one week if treatment is deferred.Score 4 — Pink-White (Dangerous)
The conjunctiva appears pink-white, corresponding to a PCV of roughly 13% to 17%. Deworming is recommended. Monitor the animal closely after treatment and consider supportive care including improved nutrition and reduced stocking density.Score 5 — White (Severe, Life-Threatening)
The conjunctiva appears white, indicating a PCV below 12%. Immediate deworming and veterinary intervention are critical. These animals may require supportive therapy including fluid administration, iron supplementation, or blood transfusion in extreme cases. Animals that consistently score 4 or 5 should be considered for culling, as they represent a significant source of pasture contamination.How to Perform a FAMACHA Assessment
Proper technique is essential for accurate scoring. Inconsistent or sloppy evaluation will lead to incorrect treatment decisions.Step-by-Step Procedure
- Restrain the animal gently but securely. Working in a chute or having an assistant hold the goat is ideal.
- Hold the FAMACHA card in good natural light. Avoid performing assessments in deep shade, direct glaring sunlight, or under artificial lighting, as these conditions distort color perception.
- Pull down the lower eyelid using your thumb, exposing the conjunctival mucous membranes. Apply gentle, even pressure.
- Compare the color of the mucous membrane to the FAMACHA card immediately. Do not allow the eyelid to remain pulled down for an extended period, as exposure to air can cause the tissue to redden.
- Assign a score from 1 to 5 based on the closest color match.
- Record the score along with the date, animal ID, and any treatment decision. Consistent record-keeping is essential for identifying chronically susceptible animals.
Tips for Accuracy
- Always score in natural daylight, ideally on an overcast day or in open shade
- Score the same eye consistently across your herd (most producers use the left eye)
- Calibrate your scoring periodically by having your veterinarian check PCV on a few animals and comparing to your FAMACHA scores
- Ensure your FAMACHA card has not faded; replace it annually or when colors no longer appear vivid
Correlation with Anemia and Haemonchus
Haemonchus contortus is a blood-feeding parasite that resides in the abomasum (true stomach) of goats. A single adult female worm can consume approximately 0.05 mL of blood per day. In heavy infections with thousands of worms, the cumulative blood loss causes progressive anemia. The FAMACHA system exploits this direct relationship between worm burden, blood loss, and visible pallor of the mucous membranes. Research conducted at the University of Georgia has demonstrated a strong statistical correlation between FAMACHA scores and packed cell volume, validating the system as a reliable field tool when performed correctly by trained evaluators. However, it is important to recognize that anemia can have causes other than Haemonchus, including liver fluke infection, nutritional deficiencies (copper, cobalt), or chronic disease. A fecal egg count should be performed when clinical signs do not clearly align with expected Haemonchus patterns.Treatment Decisions Based on FAMACHA Score
FAMACHA scoring drives a targeted selective treatment approach. The general decision framework is as follows:Treatment Thresholds
- Scores 1 and 2: Do not deworm. These animals are managing their parasite load effectively.
- Score 3: Evaluate in context. Deworm if additional risk factors are present (young age, late pregnancy, poor body condition, concurrent disease). Otherwise, recheck in 7 to 10 days.
- Scores 4 and 5: Deworm immediately. Follow up with a fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) 10 to 14 days post-treatment to confirm efficacy.
Culling Decisions
Animals that consistently require deworming (chronic scores of 4 or 5) are poor candidates for breeding stock. They lack genetic resistance to Haemonchus and will pass that susceptibility to their offspring. Culling these animals improves the overall parasite resilience of the herd over time.Record-Keeping for Herd Improvement
Maintain a log of every FAMACHA score for each animal. Over multiple seasons, patterns emerge that allow you to identify your most resistant animals (consistently scoring 1 or 2) and your most susceptible animals (frequently scoring 3 or higher). Use this data to inform breeding and culling decisions.Training Requirements
The FAMACHA system is only effective when applied by trained evaluators. Untrained use leads to inaccurate scoring and poor treatment decisions.How to Get Trained
- Attend a FAMACHA certification workshop offered through your state Cooperative Extension Service or veterinary college
- Workshops are typically 2 to 4 hours and include hands-on practice with live animals
- The ACSRPC website (wormx.info) provides information on upcoming training events and educational resources
- Your local veterinarian may also offer FAMACHA training or be able to direct you to regional workshops
Certification and the FAMACHA Card
The official FAMACHA scoring card is only available through certified training programs. This is intentional, as the card without proper training can lead to misuse. Training ensures that evaluators understand the limitations of the system, proper technique, and how to integrate FAMACHA into a comprehensive parasite management program.Maintaining Proficiency
- Practice regularly during parasite season to keep your eye calibrated
- Have your veterinarian validate your scoring accuracy at least once per season by comparing your scores to actual PCV values
- Attend refresher training if you feel your accuracy has declined
- Replace faded or damaged FAMACHA cards promptly
Integrating FAMACHA into Your Parasite Management Program
FAMACHA is most effective when used as one component of an integrated parasite management (IPM) strategy. Combine it with the following practices:- Fecal egg counts (FEC): Quantify parasite burden and identify species present
- Body condition scoring: Assess overall nutritional status alongside FAMACHA
- Pasture management: Rotational grazing, mixed-species grazing, and rest periods reduce larval exposure
- Genetic selection: Breed for parasite resistance using FAMACHA records and FEC data
- Nutritional support: Adequate protein and mineral nutrition supports immune response to parasites