Watch out for worms in weaners
Following several recent cases of high worm egg counts in lambs in the Riverina area, LHPA district vets are encouraging landholders to undertake worm egg counts and implement drench resistance tests for effective control of worms on their property.
According to Riverina LHPA district Vet Gabe Morrice, the short green feed available at the moment and the susceptibility of weaner aged sheep to worms have combined to cause problems with scouring and/or poor growth rates in this group of sheep.
"Most worms are not visible in the droppings of sheep, so to check if your sheep have heavy worm infestations, WormTests carried out on freshly collected droppings is the best method of determining worm burdens," said Dr Morrice.
"When it comes to drenches, every property will have differing drench resistance levels so the best way to find out what drenches will work on your property is with a drench resistance test, preferably on weaner age sheep which haven’t previously been drenched.
"A quick alternative method is to do a WormTest on your sheep immediately before drenching and a follow-up one 10-14 days after drenching to see if the drench has worked," she added.
According to Dr Morrice, there are economic benefits in having carried out a drench resistance test on your property.
"It may open up the possibility of cheaper drench groups to use in your rotation, you will know what drenches work and you won’t be wasting money on drenching sheep with ineffective drenches. Importantly at this time of the year, it will also reduce the incidence of breach strike," she said.
When weaned lambs are drenched, Dr Morrice recommends they go into a “clean” paddock with good nutrition available to allow for strong immunity to develop.
"The paddock should not have been grazed by sheep since last summer if possible – using cattle to graze these paddocks in the autumn is a good option if cattle are available.
"This planning cannot be done in the short term, so if it is not an option this year, look to paddocks that have been grazed by dry sheep as an alternative.
"Drenching weaners back into lambing paddocks is not recommended."
Following a DrenchPlan on your property involves planning and investment in determining the right
drench to use, and maintaining safe paddocks but is likely to reap long term health and economic benefits. For further information contact your local LHPA district vet.
Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378