State outlooks for July 2014

New South Wales

Generally, worm egg counts have been low, but there are exceptions.  The rain has meant that producers need to remain vigilant with WECs.  The smart ones will be well advanced in preparing weaning paddocks.

Victoria

Generally pastures are in good shape and sheep nutrition is good - so stock are handling challenge well.  Regular monitoring is essential.  Fluke has been diagnosed in some districts.  Seeking professional advice could well pay dividends.

Queensland

Still dry - do not drench unless there is a worm egg count to justify it. Drenching when it's dry is a great way to breed resistant worms.

Western Australia

Lambing is the main occupation and planning for future management is a very good thing to do.  Generally worm burdens have not been to bad, but do not stop regular monitoring

Tasmania

Things are very wet and the worm challenge outlook has changed dramatically.  It is critical to get your management right, otherwise you might find yourself trying to salvage a train wreck.

South Australia

Despite the cold, worm tests are showing that worms are still a significant threat, especially in hoggets. LIce are flourishing in the cold, but fortunately flies are taking a rest.

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Feature articles

First confirmed case of resistance to new drench in Australia—what does it mean?
by Stephen Love, Veterinarian / Parasitologist, NSW DPI Armidale

A case of resistance to the sheep drench Zolvix® (monepantel (MPL), Novartis) was recently confirmed on a goat farm in NSW. This appears to be the first and only confirmed occurrence in any livestock in Australia. >> Read more.

New DNA test identifies sheep worm species
by Lewis Kahn, Executive Officer, ParaBoss

Sheep producers can now benefit from a new DNA test that identifies the different species of roundworms in the sheep with their proportions calculated in a fraction of the time, and with improved accuracy, compared to traditional larval cultures. >> Read more.

Flystrike and control practices: 2003 and 2011
By Lewis Kahn, Executive Officer, ParaBoss

The blowfly control practices used by Australian sheep producers in 2011 are summarised in this article and compared to practices in 2003. >> Read more.

Short wool lice tool estimates need to treat?
from the LiceBoss website

Do you treat for lice at shearing, "just in case"? This LiceBoss Tool estimates the probability that the flock is infested with lice at shearing, to assess whether treatment is warranted.  >> Read more.