This quick quiz tests your knowledge of sheep and goat parasites and their control.
Q1: In winter rainfall environments, what are the two major causes of scouring and dags?
Q2: Lice infestations reduce fleece weight and downgrade wool quality, do you know how much lice costs the sheep industry each year?
Q3: What are two clear signs you might have resistance in your local fly population?
Q4: Do you know your FAMACHA© score?
This month continues to see a range of weather conditions across Australia; however, regardless of your location, worms remain a risk as we move towards the winter months. Our correspondents have provided tailored information for their regions, with a key reminder for those approaching lambing that pregnant ewes are particularly susceptible to worm burdens given the reduction in worm immunity that occurs in late gestation. Where pre-lambing preparation has not been ideal, it may be a good idea to collect samples prior to lamb marking lambing has finished to monitor ewe egg counts.
If your ewe flock has started lambing, now is the time to start thinking about conducting a Drench Resistance Test (DRT) for 2021 so that it can be conducted at or after weaning. Information on this can be found on the ParaBoss website or contact your local veterinarian. A DRT will assist you planning your drench strategies for the next 12-24 months.
Don’t forget, sustainable parasite control incorporates a combination of grazing management, frequent monitoring of parasite burdens and strategic use of chemical combinations in rotation.
New South Wales
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Victoria
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Queensland
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Western Australia
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Tasmania
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South Australia
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