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Drench Decision Guide

South Australia

Please confirm that you have read the disclaimer details below and accept the conditions of use of the Drench Decision Guide before proceeding.
Disclaimer:
Future events cannot reliably be predicted accurately. The University of New England ("UNE") and Meat & Livestock Australia Limited ("MLA") make no statement, representations or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of, and you should not rely on any information relating to the Drench Decision Guide for Goats ('Information'). UNE and MLA disclaim all responsibility for the Information and all liability (including without limitation liability and negligence) for all expenses, costs, losses and damages you may incur as a result of the Information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way for any reason. Published October 2016 © The University of New England and Meat & Livestock Australia Limited 2016.
Are these goats showing signs[1] suggesting a worm infection?

1Signs of worms

Scour worms (black scour worm [Trichostrongylus species]; brown stomach worm [Teladorsagia circumcincta]; and others [incl. Nematodirus]): dark scours; weight loss; death.

Barber's pole worm: anaemia (pale inside eyelids and gums); 'bottle jaw' (swelling under the jaw); lethargy, lagging or collapse when mustered; death.

NOTE: Other diseases and poor nutrition can cause similar signs. Seek veterinary advice if WormTests do not indicate worms.

What class of goats are these?
Which stage applies to these young goats?
Are these bucks in the month before joining?
Which stage or zone[1] and time of year apply to these does, bucks or wethers? (choose the first applicable option)

1South Australian region

South Australian Zones

WormBoss Drench Decision Guide Report

Region: South Australia

Date: %14 %Dec %2024

Your Selections

History of selection will appear here

Your Recommended Action

If these are kids, seek veterinary advice immediately, otherwise WormTest now. Treat with an effective short-acting drench[1] if egg count exceeds 250 epg. WormTest again in 6 weeks[2]. If results show scour worms are not the likely cause of the scouring/weight loss seek veterinary advice.

Treat now with a drench[1] effective against barber's pole worm, and at the same time collect samples and submit for a WormTest with a larval culture. If signs do not improve in 4 days seek veterinary advice.

No treatment is required now.

  • South-East and Higher Rainfall Mediterranean[1]: Treat with an effective short-acting drench[2] at weaning.
  • Lower Rainfall Mediterranean[1] (there are 3 options):
    1. WormTest just prior to weaning (collect only kid dung). Treat with an effective short-acting drench[1] if egg count exceeds 150 epg.
    2. WormTest at weaning (collect dung when the kids are separated and hold nearby till results are received). Treat with an effective short-acting drench[1] if egg count exceeds 200 epg.
    3. Or treat all kids at weaning with an effective short-acting drench[1] (least-preferred option as many mobs will not need drenching).

Region zones are provided in the map below.

  • South-East and Higher Rainfall Mediterranean[1]: WormTest each 4 weeks[2] from 12 weeks[2] till turnoff.
  • Lower Rainfall Mediterranean[1]: WormTest at 12 weeks old. Treat with an effective short-acting drench[3] if egg count exceeds 200 epg (further testing should not be required unless signs of worms become evident).

Region zones are provided in the map below.

  • South-East and Higher Rainfall Mediterranean[1]: WormTest 4 weeks post-weaning then 4—6 weekly[2]. Treat with an effective short-acting drench[3] if egg count exceeds 200—300 epg (use 200 if last drench was within a month and 300 if last drench was 2 months ago).
  • Lower Rainfall Mediterranean[1]: WormTest 6 weeks post-weaning then 6 weekly[2] on green pasture, or 8 weekly[2] on dry pasture, or 10 weekly[2] on crop stubbles. Treat with an effective short-acting drench[3] if egg count exceeds 250 epg (post-weaning WormTest) or 300 epg for later WormTests.

Region zones are provided in the map below.

Treat bucks with an effective short-acting drench[1].

WormTest. Treat with an effective short-acting drench[1] if the egg count exceeds:

  • South-East[1]: 75 epg.
  • Higher Rainfall Mediterranean[1]: 100 epg.
  • Lower Rainfall Mediterranean[1]: 250 epg for early kidding does and 150 epg for late kidding does.

Region zones are provided in the map below.

WormTest just prior to marking. Treat with an effective short-acting drench[1] if the egg count exceeds:

  • South-East[1]: 200 epg (winter) or 300 epg (spring).
  • Higher Rainfall Mediterranean[1]: 200 epg.

In the Lower Rainfall Mediterranean[1] goats do not require testing or drenching at this time if there are no signs of worms.

Region zones are provided in the map below.

  • South-East and Higher Rainfall Mediterranean[1]: WormTest just prior to weaning (or about 6—8 weeks after marking). Treat with an effective short-acting drench[2] if the egg count exceeds 200 epg for early kidding does and 300 epg for late kidding does.
  • Lower Rainfall Mediterranean[1]: WormTest only if more than 10% goats are scouring. Treat with an effective short-acting drench[2] if the egg count exceeds 250 epg.

Region zones are provided in the map below.

Treat with a summer drench 2—3 weeks after the feed has dried off, but before Christmas. This should be a highly effective short-acting drench[1].

WormTest 6—8 weeks after the summer drench was given. Treat with an effective short-acting drench[1] if egg count exceeds 80—100 epg. Continue to WormTest at 8 weekly[2] intervals and treat with an effective short-acting drench[1] if egg count exceeds 100 epg.

WormTest each 8 weeks from when the feed is drying off until pre-kidding. Treat with an effective short-acting drench[1] if egg count exceeds 100 epg (or up to 200 epg only during late summer and providing does are in good condition).

WormTest prior to harvesting. Treat goats staying on pasture with an effective short-acting drench[1] if egg count exceeds 250 epg. For goats that will later go on stubble, drench if egg count exceeds 400 epg.

WormTest again 10 weeks after the pre-harvest test or when they are coming off stubble (after at least 6 weeks). Treat with an effective short-acting drench[1] if egg count exceeds 250 epg.

This recommendation should be read with the information provided below.

1Guidelines for worm control treatments

When using anthelmintic products in goats, obtain a veterinary prescription because:

  • Goats require a different dose rate and withholding period to that on the label.
  • Many drenches are not registered for use in goats (see exceptions below).

Victoria: over the counter sheep drenches can be used if residues are kept below the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL).

South Australia: cattle drenches can be used in goats, but pour-on formulations should be avoided.

When giving all treatments

Follow the product labels. Dose to the heaviest goat in the mob. Calibrate equipment to ensure the right dose is delivered with the right procedures. Do not mix drenches unless the label states they are compatible. Check and comply with withholding periods and export slaughter intervals.

Choosing treatment options on your property

Use these principles together, where possible:

  1. Use drenches tested to be most effective on your property and either multi-active products or more than one active concurrently (up the race with one and then the other); if drench effectiveness is unknown, conduct a DrenchCheck after drenching.
  2. Use short-acting treatments—reserve long-acting products for specific purposes or high worm-risk times.

For more details read the drench resistance section in the WormBoss Worm Control Program.

Long-acting treatments

These are rarely required in South Australia. Also, resistance to long-acting treatments has been reported on properties in South Australia. To be safe, you should seek expert advice before incorporating them into your worm control program.

2Signs of worms

Scour worms (black scour worm [Trichostrongylus species]; brown stomach worm [Teladorsagia circumcincta]; and others [incl. Nematodirus]): dark scours; weight loss; death.

Barber's pole worm: anaemia (pale inside eyelids and gums); 'bottle jaw' (swelling under the jaw); lethargy, lagging or collapse when mustered; death.

NOTE: Other diseases and poor nutrition can cause similar signs. Seek veterinary advice if WormTests do not indicate worms.

3High risk worm conditions

Goats can sometimes be rapidly re-infected with worms, causing illness and death within 3 weeks of a drench when WECs will still be low or zero. If the onset of scouring, weight loss or deaths is sudden, urgently seek veterinary advice.

4South Australian region

South Australian Zones