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Australia's resource for control of worms, flies and lice in sheep,
and worms in goats
Cooler weather will help to slow barber's pole worm development, but will have less effect on scour worms
Cooler weather will help to slow barber's pole worm development, but will have less effect on scour worms
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State Outlooks for May 2016

Everyone agrees, temperatures are still warmer than expected but the winter drop must be just around the corner - barber’s pole infections will slow but scour worm numbers will build. The other eagerly anticipated event is the end of the current El Nino weather pattern because the end is usually accompanied by above average winter-spring rainfall!

The quick quiz

This 3-question quick quiz tests your knowledge of sheep parasites and their control. >> Take the quiz.

Worm control 'bible'

On the top of each state outlook page are links to your regional WormBoss programs and Drench Decision Guides. Never noticed them before? These should be your 'bible' for worm management.

New South Wales
>> full report

Dry in the northern regions of the state but barber’s pole remains a threat in those areas where rain has fallen and temperatures are still warm. There’s also a good case history of large mob rotational grazing in the New England. And don’t assume drenches for cattle worms will be effective and don’t forget about liver fluke.

Victoria
>> full report

In the south west, two good rain events, a week apart, came just in time as producers were starting to anticipate a tough winter after a failed spring. 

Queensland
>> full report

The weather continues dry for most people and it is getting colder, so barber’s pole should be taking a break.

Western Australia
>> full report

With the arrival of good winter rain, it could be a severe worm year unless worms are well and truly on your radar. The main recommendation now is to keep a lookout for worm problems much earlier than usual.

Tasmania
>> full report

Despite the winds (and even a few road closures due to snow) and rain, it is still unseasonably warm and pastures are bounding away. Cattle feed is problematic but if the frosts stay away and soil temperatures remain in the low to mid-teens, pastures should keep growing well. Not surprisingly, worms are still quiet.

South Australia
>> full report

Feed is scarce across most of the State with grain feeding the norm for the past 3 months. Close grazing of short green pick and limited amounts of dry feed will have enhanced worm larvae pick up, but countered by ewes in surprisingly good condition.