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Australia's resource for control of worms, flies and lice in sheep,
and worms in goats
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Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!

Wishing you the best for Christmas

The team from ParaBoss wish you a joyous festive season and that 2017 is filled with good grass, no worms, flies or lice!

A special thank you to our state outlook contributors—there is always a big jump in the website use after these contributions, so we know they are valued by our readers.

The quick quiz

This 4-question quick quiz tests your knowledge of sheep and goat parasites and their control. 

1. Why/how does smart grazing work to prepare a low worm-risk paddock for weaners during winter in the winter rainfall regions?

2. Which Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) for flystrike prevention can only be used in a spray-on form?

3. In what situations when introducing sheep might the immediate shearing and treating for lice be the best approach?

4. When treating goats for worms, why are cattle pour-on products not suitable?

>> Check the answers.

State Outlooks December 2016

That doughy lump under the jaw may look like fluke, but it could be due to worms, or photosensitisation. While scouring is usually associated with scour worms, it is also associated with coccidial infections. The value of a thorough investigation before undertaking drenching has been highlighted this month by a number of contributors.

New South Wales
>> full report

Very high burdens of both barber’s pole and black scour worms are present in sheep and goats in some regions. Flukes, flies and grass seeds have become a high priority, and cases of lungworm have been identified in the Murray LLS region.

 

Victoria
>> full report

The climate this summer is very different to that of last year, and it is imperative that producers take steps to manage their sheep, lambs in particular, to ensure worms do not impact on production. Most lambs should be monitored every 2–3 weeks at least.

Queensland
>> full report

In general, fewer worm problems are associated with very hot, dry summers, but with drenches not as effective as they were on many properties, and summer storms, there will still be worm problems.

Western Australia
>> full report

The key is to drench at the most appropriate time for the different classes of sheep, and to always use a fully-effective drench. Regardless of the resistance risk, young sheep (this and last-years lambs) are likely to be carrying significant worm burdens in early summer and need to be drenched.

Tasmania
>> full report

Monitor weaned lambs relentlessly: every 3 weeks, and whenever you see a scant black scour on the hocks, as cool, moist summers equal black scour worms. But also be on the alert for barber’s pole worm and fly.

South Australia
>> full report

Worm egg counts have been high enough to warrant drenching, and to also conduct drench resistance tests. Weaned prime lambs (or those still on their mothers after 14 weeks) are a susceptible class of stock that need ongoing monitoring for worms and flystrike.