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Australia's resource for control of worms, flies and lice in sheep,
and worms in goats
Image: Nodules from Coccidia in small intestine of sheep
Image: Nodules from Coccidia in small intestine of sheep

The quick quiz

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

1. Under what conditions do significant numbers of scour worm eggs develop to larvae?

2. After what age can scoring for fleece rot be done, and with what minimum growth (months) of wool?

3. When dipping ewes for lice before lambing, how many weeks before lambing should dipping ideally take place and why that time?

4. Under what conditions are goats most likely to exhibit illness from coccidiosis?

>> Check the answers.

Barber's pole worm alert

Some regions have had frequent, good rain throughout summer—better than in most years. Anywhere in the country with these conditions can expect a high chance of problems from barber's pole worm this autumn. 
Reports of rapid escalation of worms are now being heard—sheep look fine one week and severe illness is occurring the next. WormTest and visually check mobs more often for the next month or so if you have experienced a wetter than normal summer.

State Outlooks for April 2017

Good seasons have producers checking for worms, flies and lice as many of these parasites are once again prevalent due to the favourable weather conditions. 

 

New South Wales
>> full report

At this time of the year producers are urged to conduct larval cultures with worm egg count tests.  In liver fluke prone areas, a fluke test is also necessary. Heavy burdens of immature Nematodirus continue to severely impact sheep health, and lungworm has been identified in some regions. Scouring daggy sheep are prime targets for flystrike.

Victoria
>> full report

The worm risk is higher this year than in the last few years. Weaners will now require ongoing worm testing at 3-weekly intervals, and mature sheep at 4–6 weekly intervals.

Queensland
>> full report

Worm control measures this month centre around worm testing mobs to ensure that infections remain at levels that will not cause significant production loss and to prepare paddocks for spring lambing.

Western Australia
>> full report

Ewes about to lamb need to be worm tested to determine the need for a pre-lamb drench. Worm test lambs and hoggets every 4–6 weeks.  

Tasmania
>> full report

While adult sheep are generally doing well many lambs are running high burdens of worms.

 

South Australia
>> full report

Stock owners are encouraged to follow at least some of their consignments through the abattoirs because factors impacting health and growth, such as pimply gut and lungworm, may be identified, but may not be reported.