Back to Newsletters

Australia's resource for control of worms, flies and lice in sheep,
and worms in goats
What fungus eats worm larvae? Paid advertisement
What fungus eats worm larvae? Paid advertisement
The first WormTest within the DrenchCheck is done up to 10 days before a mob is drenched with a short-acting drench and the second is done 14 days after drenching
The first WormTest within the DrenchCheck is done up to 10 days before a mob is drenched with a short-acting drench and the second is done 14 days after drenching
Kill time in isolation - listen to Wormcasts or watch some informative ParaBoss videos
Kill time in isolation - listen to Wormcasts or watch some informative ParaBoss videos

The Quick Quiz

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

1. When you next drench, how could you check how effective the drench has been?

2. What are the signs that indicate that blowflies on your property are becoming resistant to the flystrike preventative chemicals you use?

3. If your sheep are now starting to rub, bite or scratch at their wool, what are the chances it is lice, what might the other causes be?

4. What is the fungus that can kill worm larvae in goat dung and how does it work?

>> Check the answers.

State Outlooks for March 2020

From drought to bushfire to a viral pandemic! Fortunately, there is no evidence that sheep can catch COVID-19, but continuing rain and mild temperatures still means producers need to watch out for worm and fly activity. Continue to WormTest and monitor for flystrike.

Is ParaBoss delivering what you need?

ParaBoss is seeking feedback—via a telephone interview—from people across various industry roles to find out the usefulness of ParaBoss and suggestions for improvement. Rural merchandise staff, pharmaceutical company staff, vets, extension officers, industry consultants, academics and WEC providers (i.e. the people who might use knowledge gained from ParaBoss in their work with producers) are particularly being sought as well as some producers.

What’s involved? You would be interviewed over the phone by one of our consultants, Alex Ball or Kimbal Curtis, and this could take about 20–30 minutes.

We simply want to know what you like/use/value about ParaBoss information products and services and how these help you; what you do not like/use and why; and suggestions you might have on how ParaBoss could be improved.

(Please check out some podcasts, videos and webinars if you are volunteering for interviews)

This is a biased process, meaning people who have looked at/used a variety of ParaBoss information are being sought as you will be able to provide more informed opinions.

Please email us if you are willing to be interviewed (thanks for the few who have already replied). Please also let us know what industry roles you are in.

What is a good way to avoid COVID-19?

Catch up on all the livestock and farm work that can be done by yourself.

Being in isolation is a good chance to listen to Wormcasts, the ParaBoss podcasts, and to view our new and old videos. 

Listen directly from ParaBoss or through a podcast app. https://www.paraboss.com.au/multimedia/podcasts.php

Have a look at the videos at 
https://www.paraboss.com.au/multimedia/videos.php

New South Wales
>> full report

Consistent rainfall and mild temperatures across NSW mean barber’s pole worm infection and flystrike continue to remain a threat. Producers should continue to WormTest and monitor for flystrike. Outbreaks of Bovine Ephemeral Fever have been reported in some regions. Preventative measures for mosquitoes could be considered in those areas.

Victoria
>> full report

Patchy rainfall across the state has meant worm egg counts have been variable. Regular monitoring should continue to ensure WECs don’t get too high. Cooler temperatures have seen limited fly activity, however, producers should remain vigilant if heavy rain sets in. 

Queensland
>> full report

Continue to worm egg count representative mobs every 4–6 weeks depending on the rainfall situation in your area and monitor weekly for any visual signs of anaemia caused by barber’s pole. Also check for flystrike activity.

Western Australia
>> full report

The next month is the most important time of the year for ensuring good worm control over the coming winter and spring months. Check worm egg counts now, and drench if the mob average is over 100 epg. Worm counts should then be checked every 4–6 weeks. It’s important that drenches are as close to 100% effective as possible at this time of year.

Tasmania
>> full report

Nematodirus may be present and will knock lamb growth rates around at quite low counts.  If you are letting sheep out of drought lots, be sure there is enough feed in the release paddocks; and drench at a low WEC (100–150 epg), essentially giving a second summer drench.

South Australia
>> full report

Worm counts are generally low at present but if pastures come away so will worms. A pre-lambing drench may or may not be warranted. As always, regular worm egg counts will keep you informed and ready for the right action.