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

 

The Quick Quiz

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

  1. If a pre-lambing drench is necessary, why is it given in the three week period before the start of lambing?  
  2. What are 4 requirements of a feedlotting system for goats to ensure that feed remains free from worm contamination?
  3. How do you identify early flystrikes and what is the benefit of early detection?
  4. How can you increase the probability of finding lice on sheep in an early (new) infestation?

>> Check the answers.

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State Outlooks for April 2019

Some sheep areas of Queensland may see falls of rain in the next few days, but parts of western New South Wales are not expecting to see much rain at all. As the weather, particularly rainfall, worms and pastures are closely linked, any sheep grazing on green grass need to be carefully monitored for parasites. In the temperate regions of the country, autumn has been dry and rather warm. Worm and fly activity has continued well into April.

The April fluke drench

‘After the first frost’ in April is said to be the best time to give the most important liver fluke drench of the year! Given that this autumn is warmer than expected, and frosts may be delayed, does this adage still hold true?

Lou Baskind, DV, Braidwood, NSW, provides some interesting commentary to assist with your decision making.


Is a pre-lambing drench necessary?
Detecting strike early has benefits
LIver fluke infections can increase in drought



New South Wales
>> full report

In the Riverina and south-east, where there have been good falls of rain, barber’s pole is expected to remain active into May. Black scour and brown stomach worm are active in the wetter, cooler more temperate regions. Monitor sheep for worms, liver fluke and fly, and treat as appropriate.

Victoria
>> full report

Worm egg counts are not expected to rise significantly from now until late May as rain has not been forecast. Worm test sheep again in early June.

Queensland
>> full report

If there is rain, and particularly follow-up rain, sheep will need to be worm tested every 3–4 weeks. If the weather remains warm, barber’s pole will remain active. 

Western Australia
>> full report

Autumn has been very dry and while worm counts remain generally low, stock are in poor condition and very susceptible to worm infection. WormTest to determine if an autumn drench is necessary. Barber's pole infections may increase in wetter coastal regions.

Tasmania
>> full report

Monitor lambs and Merino ewes in poor body condition. Drench those with high worm egg counts and scouring. Barber’s pole has been confirmed (or strongly suspected) on a number of properties.  

South Australia
>> full report

Recent worm egg counts have been remarkably low with only the occasional weaner report hitting triple figures.
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