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Australia's resource for control of worms, flies and lice in sheep,
and worms in goats
Will worm larvae and eggs die during winter?
Will worm larvae and eggs die during winter?
Find out about the 2020 ParaBoss WEC QA Program
Find out about the 2020 ParaBoss WEC QA Program
Liver fluke close-up
Liver fluke close-up

The Quick Quiz

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

1. Will worm larvae and eggs die during winter?

2. What are the two key signs that indicate that blowflies might be resistant to flystrike preventative chemicals on your property?

3. By which application methods can diazinon be applied as a lice treatment?

4. What causes wasting in goats?

>> Check the answers.

2020 ParaBoss WEC QA Program

This is an annual accreditation program because staff change, equipment changes, and methodology can and does drift. Operators from the 2019 program are urged to participate again in 2020. This year, we particularly invite newcomers, especially vet clinics and all the rural merchandise staff who conduct tests for their customers, whether for sheep, cattle, goats, even alpacas and horses (although the test counts will use Haemonchus worm eggs).

SHEEP and GOAT PRODUCERS should check whether their WEC provider is ParaBoss-endorsed, if not, urge them to participate. 30% of last year's participants were not succesful in the initial round—are the results you are receiving, accurate?

>> ParaBoss-endorsed WEC service providers list.
>> WEC QA Program.

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State Outlooks for June 2020

Winter has arrived, and in those regions that have had good rains, winter pasture growth is well underway. Whether to give a pre-lamb drench or not this year as appropriate for each area is much discussed. Scour, and liver fluke infestations continue to require monitoring.

New South Wales
>> full report

Reports show mostly low worm burdens and sheep in good body condition, although a few high counts highlight the need to continue to WormTest to monitor worm egg counts. With restocking underway across the state, remember to quarantine drench all incoming sheep to avoid importing resistant worms onto your property.

Victoria
>> full report

Hoggets and lambing ewes are at greatest risk of high worm burdens, so continue to monitor for worms with a WormTest and use the results to guide your drenching decisions. Now is a good time to review your spring and early summer drenching plans.

Queensland
>> full report

Worm control efforts at this time of the year concern paddock preparation for the pre-lambing ewes. Decisions on which paddocks will have the best nutrition and the least amount of larval contamination need to be made.  Continue to WormTest and request a larval culture to see if black scour worms are on the rise.

Western Australia
>> full report

As the worm potential increases as we move into winter, it is important to monitor worm burdens and manage them before they cause trouble. Significant worm burdens will have already developed on some properties. Where a drench is needed, it is a good opportunity to consider a DrenchTest to check for drench resistance, or plan testing in weaners. 

Tasmania
>> full report

WECs from all classes of sheep (except Merino weaners) have been low this month, which is a reflection of good body condition and continuing good pasture. Consider a long-acting drench for Merino ewes and weaners. Keep an eye out for fluke—especially when bringing in new stock.  

South Australia
>> full report

Recent monitoring indicates generally low to modest worm burdens in ewes and autumn drop lambs, and ewes are mostly in good condition. Ensure lambing ewes have adequate nutrition to avoid pregnancy toxaemia, and avoid too much handling in the 2–3 weeks before lambing.