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A few months ago there was a piece on lice surveillance. The question is, what would you do if you found something apart from lice? The time was when sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus) and face/leg lice (Linognathus spp) were common, but they have almost disappeared with newer insecticides and mectin drenches. It’s worth getting them identified just to be sure, and in the case of ked the boffins may be interested in preserving an endangered species.
What if you found ticks on your sheep? Ticks are rare on sheep in Australia and the most common species (Haemaphysalis longicornis, the bush tick) causes little damage. It may be that a new species has moved into your area. They should be identified for that reason alone because worldwide ticks are vectors of some amazing and devastating diseases of both sheep and people. It’s just possible you have a genuinely exotic species carrying a genuinely new disease. Check out this great article by Bruce Watt (LLS, Bathurst) to understand why identifying ticks really does matter.
by Alison Colvin, University of New England
All Australian sheep producers are encouraged to complete an online survey asking about the parasite control practices they used during 2018. Responses to the survey will remain confidential; identifying data will NOT be collected. >> Read more.
Introduction by Paul Nilon, Nilon Farm Health, Tasmania
Strategic drenches are designed, primarily, to reduce contamination at designated times so that pastures carry less contamination later in the season. There is wide variation between the regions in the timing of the strategic drenches so go to this page and then follow the links to the drenching guide for your state and region. For example, in Victoria a second summer drench is frequently given about this time, based on WECs. In Western Australia a second summer drench selects inexorably for resistance so that adult sheep are not drenched now, but should receive an autumn-break drench.
A few things to keep in mind with strategic drenches. First, strategic drenching protects permanent pastures rather than crops or stubbles. Secondly, if you miss the boat the benefit of strategic drenches will be greatly diminished so plan well ahead and monitor for trigger levels. Third, be aware of the need for some refugia. Even if you routinely give a second summer drench it may be ill-advised if you’ve had an exceptionally dry season. Finally (a caveat rather than a principle), unseasonal rain or long springs may reduce the effectiveness of a strategic drench so make sure you monitor as suggested lest you get caught relying too much on the strategic drench. Peruse the guides and if uncertain consult a local expert. >> Read more.
Introduction by Paul Nilon, Nilon Farm Health, Tasmania
The writer was contacted by a client concerned that a flystrike preventive was not “curing” struck sheep. Not surprising: dicyclanil does not kill maggots! When choosing your chemical there are three considerations, a) whether you need treatment and prevention, or one or the other, b) your preferred method of application, and c) special considerations. The link above answers most of the question, but it’s worth highlighting a few points. Although cyromazine has a claim for killing maggots, it only works slowly and is a poor choice if there are many struck sheep. Many producers love the convenience of jetting races, but be aware that only two chemicals (cyromazine and mectins) can be applied through them. Special considerations include Export Slaughter Intervals (ESI) and Withholding Intervals (WHI); check your treatments against your product marketing plans. If you are an organic producer there is only one acceptable product: spinosyn. >> Read more.
Introduction by Paul Nilon, Nilon Farm Health, Tasmania
Have you noticed that some producers treat for lice every year? While it’s not easy to keep lice out of your flock, a systematic approach makes a world of difference. Of all sheep diseases, the risk of lice can be managed better than many others. A lice biosecurity plan increases the chance of eradicating lice and keeping them out.
Essential elements for eradication include:
To stop introductions consider the following:
Introduction by Paul Nilon, Nilon Farm Health, Tasmania
Barber’s pole is a real challenge in goats. Indeed, high-risk barber’s pole regions are problematic for goat production. For small holdings, one strategy is to use the FAMACHA system to assess anaemia. It works brilliantly, but is not applicable to large enterprises because of the labour requirement. This MLA article (and the webinar link at the end) explains how to use FAMACHA results, while visual learners may like this YouTube link. The big advantage of FAMACHA is you only drench animals that need it, rather than the whole mob. Moreover, animals that return consistently high FAMACHA scores can be culled as being less resilient. Always perform FAMACHA with a score-card in hand. >> Read more.
For all laboratories, veterinarians, livestock merchandise/stock agents and individuals who do worm egg counts as a paid or complimentary service to others. >> Read more.
State Outlooks
