Farm biosecurity key to prevent spread of lice

Feedback from sheep lice survey at the Australian National Field Days has highlighted the importance of on-farm biosecurity practices and provided valuable input into the NSW sheep lice policy review.

Sheep producers visiting the feature exhibit at the field days were asked to complete the lice survey as part of the Livestock Health and Pest Authorities display.

Tablelands LHPA district vet Jim McDonald was at the field days encouraging producers to fill out the survey and providing advice on lice treatments.

"The survey results show an increase in lice infestations each year since 2006, with producers citing stray lousy sheep from neighbouring properties as the leading cause of lice spreading to their flocks," Mr McDonald said.

"The respondents indicated that the other cause of lice infestation in their flocks was from sheep brought in from outside the property."

Mr McDonald says these results show that practising good farm biosecurity is essential in preventing the spread of lice on sheep properties.

"Firstly, all new and returning stock brought onto the property including rams must be quarantined and monitored closely for signs of lice," Mr McDonald said.

"Stray sheep also pose a high risk of introducing lice, so it is important to maintain boundary fences and also to discuss your sheep lice strategy with neighbours."

Around 92% of survey respondents only had one shearing per year, which Mr McDonald believes is an indication that most producers have the opportunity for effective lice treatment at shearing.

The survey results covered a wide cross-section of the states sheep producers, with respondents from four authorities (Tablelands, Central North, Central West and Lachlan) and flock sizes ranging from 100 to 14,000 head.

The results from the survey have been passed on to the sheep lice review committee to assist with their development of a more effective lice policy in NSW.

For practical advice on preventing and controlling sheep lice, speak to your local LHPA vet who can assist you in developing management and treatment strategies tailored to your enterprise.

Media contact: Suzie Robinson 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378