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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. What is the procedure that is used to conduct a DrenchTest?

  2. Under what situations should I give a quarantine drench?

  3. When will the blowflies return?

  4. Which sheep are most at risk of pregnancy toxaemia?

>> Check the answers.

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Is your WEC provider accurate?

When a business offers a worm egg counting service, the assumption is that they do it accurately. However, in the 2019 round of the WEC QA Program proved nearly 30% of participants failed to meet the levels of accuracy and variability set by the program.

If you are a WEC provider, ParaBoss plans to run the 2020 round, with registrations opening in late August; notices will be in this newsletter and on the WormBoss web site. >> More info.

If you are a WEC user, check whether your provider is on the WormBoss list of successful WEC QA program participants.

State Outlooks for July 2020

With winter in full swing, we are well reminded to continue monitoring for worms as they still remain a risk, particularly as sheep are grazing closer to the ground. Be on the lookout for for pregnancy toxaemia and hypocalcaemia, especially in areas that have seen an increase in twinning rates. Also, Paul shares a horror story of monumental fluke resistance—remember the importance of quarantine drenching when bringing in stock. 


Worms remain a risk in winter
How effective are drenches on your property?
Ewes with twin lambs are at risk of pregnancy toxaemia



New South Wales
>> full report

The warm weather right up until July meant that barber’s pole worm larvae were still infective and picked up off the pasture well into winter. Producers with spring lambing ewes should be factoring in WormTests prior to pre-lambing drenches, and those with autumn lambs should be considering low-worm risk paddocks for weaning.

Victoria
>> full report

A wet autumn has seen an overall rise in WEC results and the number of sheep requiring drenching. Continue to monitor weaners every 3–4 weeks until the spring flush. Consider a DrenchTest as resistance to long-acting moxidectin injections and drench capsules has been observed.

Queensland
>> full report

Warmer than expected temperatures in conjunction with increased levels of moisture mean that barber’s pole worm could be an issue. Use WormTests to identify early barber’s pole burdens. If you are restocking, remember to give a quarantine drench.

Western Australia
>> full report

Worms still remain a risk this time of year. With shorter pastures than usual, a lot of sheep will be grazing close to the ground in the zone for worm larvae. WormTest yearlings at least every 6 weeks. Consider conducting a DrenchTest to find out the effectiveness of drenches on your property.

Tasmania
>> full report

Worm problems remain low reflecting the good pasture and BCS, however liver fluke resistance to triclabendazole has been reported in imported sheep. If TBZ resistance is suspected, consider a fluke reduction test and alternative fluke treatments.  

South Australia
>> full report

Worm egg counts are quite variable across the region reflecting recent rainfall patterns with relatively low counts in the upper half of the state and generally moderate to high counts in the SE. Above-average twinning rates have seen an increase in risk for pregnancy toxaemia and hypocalcaemia. Ensure lambing ewes have adequate nutrition.
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