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.
Region: Tasmania
Date: %01 %May %2024
WormTest now. Treat with an effective short-acting drench[1] if egg count exceeds 300 epg, then WormTest again in 3—4 weeks[2].
If results show scour worms are not the cause of the scouring/weight loss, seek veterinary advice.
WormTest now and request a larval culture. Treat with an effective short-acting drench[1] if egg count exceeds 300 epg, then WormTest again in 3—4 weeks[2].
If results show barber's pole worm is not the cause of the anaemia, seek veterinary advice.
In late November or December (typically when the grass is haying off), give all goats a ‘first summer drench’: an effective short-acting combination treatment[1]. This may coincide with marking or weaning. Then WormTestall goats 6–8 weeks after the first summer drench. Give a second summer drench (an effective short-acting combination drench[1]) in these situations:
Region zones are provided in the map below[1].
Treat with an effective short-acting drench[1] before they go onto the low worm-risk fodder crop/perennial pasture. Graze the pasture for up to 30 days only to ensure no further contamination with worms occurs
No treatment is required at marking (unless this is first summer drench time) if kids are developing normally and putting on weight. Instead, drench the kids at weaning time. However, if their mothers need a drench at marking (e.g. scouring and in poor condition) also drench the kids. Use an effective short-acting drench[1]
If drenched at marking WormTest before weaning. If egg count exceeds 200 epg treat with an effective short-acting drench[1]. If not drenched at marking, then treat at weaning with an effective short-acting drench[1]. Weaning may coincide with the first summer drench. WormTest again in 3 weeks[2].
Give a first summer drench in December (this may coincide with marking or weaning).
WormTest at these times[1]:
(i) 3 weeks after the weaning drench.
(ii) Just prior to the second summer drench (late January/early February).
(iii) Otherwise, WormTest each 3–4 weeks until 1 year old.
Generally use an effective short-acting drench[2], but in early to mid winter consider a long-acting product[2] in high worm-risk conditions[1] and follow the guidelines for long-acting drenches.
Region zones are provided in the map below.
Treat all does with an effective short-acting drench[1]. Consider using a long-acting product[1] in high worm-risk conditions[2].
Generally, a drench at marking is not required, except:
Region zones are provided in the map below.
During March to October, WormTest adult mobs each 4–6 weeks (4 weekly in the wetter months, 6 weekly in the drier months) and treat with an effective short-acting drench[1] if egg count exceeds 300 epg.
High counts (>600 epg) in April/May on goats in the paddocks to be used later for kidding indicate high pasture contamination of those paddocks and that does may require a long-acting treatment pre-kidding.
This recommendation should be read with the information provided below.
Review available drenches with the WormBoss drench search
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.
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.
Use these principles together, where possible:
For more details read the drench resistance section in the WormBoss Worm Control Program.
Use only under veterinary prescription.
WormTest with a culture at 35, 60 and 90 days after treatment.
If WormTest results are 100 epg or above, drench resistance is likely. Drench immediately with an effective short-acting drench with a different drench group to the long-acting treatment.
Seek veterinary advice on the further use of this product.
If WormTest results are less than 100 epg, then treat with an exit drench at 100 days after the long-acting treatment was given.
Seek veterinary advice if WormTests are positive at or before 60 days.
These help to slow drench resistance to persistent treatments.
Protection period of persistent treatments for sheep
(Goat times are unknown, but likely much shorter as goats metabolise the drenches faster)
Mid-length: 7—28 days. Long-acting: 91—100 days.
NOTE: The registered protection period against susceptible black scour worm with a long-acting moxidectin injection is 49 days, but is not set in goats.
Use a primer before long-acting treatments
Primer drenches (effective short-acting treatments that do not include the drench group in the long-acting treatment) should be given concurrently with all long-acting treatments
Anytime that you are concerned that the persistent treatment is not providing protection, WormTest immediately and seek veterinary advice regarding drench resistance.
Goats can sometimes be rapidly re-infected with worms, causing illness and death within 2 weeks of a drench. In these situations (i) check at least weekly for visual signs of barber’s pole worm; and (ii) conduct a DrenchCheck. To reduce this risk, prepare low worm-risk pastures.
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