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ParaBoss News - May 2021 - State Outlooks

The Quick Quiz

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?

>> Check the answers.

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State Outlooks for May 2021

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
>> full report

Worms are continuing to cause trouble across the region and in areas where lambing is in full swing, producers are strongly advised to conduct pre-lambing worm tests to determine the best approach to manage ewe worm burdens and the winter management of your sheep.   

  

Victoria
>> full report

With a later autumn break than usual across most of the Hamilton region, many properties may expect to start lambing (or are already lambing) on less-than-ideal pasture lengths. While this will have a main impact on ewe nutrition and lamb survival, it will also increase worm stress on these ewes. 

Queensland
>> full report

Maxine explains that earmarking paddocks for lambing is one of the key tasks to do this month. Ewes should be carrying the lowest possible worm burdens when they lamb. The pre-lambing drench is usually given about two weeks before lambing.  

  

Western Australia
>> full report

A great start to the season, and not only for farming - worms will be loving it too! Green feed, plenty of moisture, mild temperatures – what more could they want? Compared to recent years with dry starts, worms are at least a month ahead of the usual pattern in most sheep areas. It’s now too late for preventative action, and the game has changed to a “watch and act.” 

Tasmania
>> full report

The weather has been mostly dry in Tasmania over the past six weeks. Paul explains that most areas have had some excellent frosts so both the fluke and barber’s pole worm development should have stopped. Paul also reminds us to closely monitor, and plan pasture stock moves well ahead.  

  

South Australia
>> full report

It’s a state of contrasts in SA, with some parts of the state receiving good rainfall and others remaining dry. Colin highlights the need to plan six months in advance when preparing paddocks for the most worm susceptible sheep - lambing ewes and weaners. 
For May 2021 state outlooks, please follow the links below:
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