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ParaBoss News - May 2020 - State Outlooks

ParaBoss-endorsed WEC providers.
ParaBoss-endorsed WEC providers.
Which livestock share goat worms?
Which livestock share goat worms?
In WA should pre-lambing ewes be drenched?
In WA should pre-lambing ewes be drenched?


The Quick Quiz

This quick quiz tests your knowledge of sheep and goat parasites and their control. 

1. On average, during which few months of the year will there be the highest numbers of infective scour worm larvae on pasture?

2. Breech cover can be used as a selection tool for reducing flystrike susceptibility. However, which other traits are more important to use first?

3. What management can be done to limit the spread of dermo?

4. Aside from sheep, name 2 other farm livestock species that can carry goat worms?

>> Check the answers.

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       Sheep                   Goats

State Outlooks for May 2020

Good pasture growth is evident across the country with continuing rains and above average temperatures. Lambing season is well under way so it is a key time to watch for periparturient rise is worm numbers. As always, continue to monitor using worm egg counts.

With almost 30% of participating WEC service providers failing to deliver the required accuracy in the 2019 ParaBoss WEC QA Program, producers should check whether their provider is on the list of successful participants laboratories. Only the providers whose results were within the acceptable statistical limits have been endorsed and included on the list. Check the WormBoss website for ParaBoss-endorsed WEC providers.


New South Wales
>> full report

Good rainfall and above average temperatures have seen an increase in worms across the state. Pregnant ewes are particularly at risk given the reduction in worm immunity that occurs in late gestation. WormTest now to establish burdens heading into winter and what species of worms are present in your flocks.

Victoria
>> full report

The season is looking good for autumn and winter lambing ewes with plenty of rain and pasture growth. High WEC results have been recorded so continue to monitor all stock regularly over winter to ensure production-limiting worm burdens are not missed.

Queensland
>> full report

Worm egg counts in all classes of sheep should be low due to lack of rain—but make sure you test some mobs, particularly weaners and late pregnant ewes. For winter lambing ewes, it’s time to make decisions about the need for a pre-lamb drench.

Western Australia
>> full report

Although rain has been patchy across the state, the cool conditions and moisture at ground level means that worm eggs will be developing to the larval stage. Once there is some pasture growth, grazing sheep will pick up worm larvae as they graze. Watch for an increase in worm numbers especially now it is lambing season. Check the WormBoss website for ParaBoss-endorsed WEC providers.

Tasmania
>> full report

Good rainfall and plenty of pasture means producers won’t need to be as reliant on winter fodder this year. Worm counts remain low, but monitor for an increase during late pregnancy. 

South Australia
>> full report

It’s a good month for sheep with worm egg counts low and conception and twinning rates reportedly high. An eradication program for feral cats will also hopefully also see a reduction in the less common sheep parasitic diseases Toxoplamosis and Sarcocystosis.

For May 2020 state outlooks, please follow the links below:

New South Wales
Western Australia
Victoria
Queensland
Tasmania
South Australia
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