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 can cause similar signs. Seek veterinary advice if WormTests do not indicate worms.
NOTE: Mature wethers not in bush runs and rams should be treated the same as ewes.
Region: Tasmania
Date: %01 %May %2024
WormTest now. Treat with an effective short-acting drench[1] if egg count exceeds 300 epg for weaners or 500 epg for adults, 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 for weaners or 500 epg for adults, 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.
No treatment is required at lamb marking if lambs are developing normally and putting on weight. Drench the lambs at weaning time. However, if their mothers need a drench at lamb marking (e.g. daggy and in poor condition) also drench the lambs; use an effective short-acting drench[1].
Treat at weaning with an effective short-acting drench[1] (unless drenched at marking); this may coincide with the first summer drench. WormTest again in 3 weeks[2].
WormTest at these times[1]:
Generally use an effective short-acting drench[3], but in early- to mid-winter consider a long-acting product[2] in high worm-risk conditions[1] and follow the guidelines on the previous page for long-acting drenches.
Region zones are provided in the map below.
Give hoggets a first summer drench:
Treat rams with an effective short-acting drench[1] if this coincides with the second summer drench time (January/February).
If joining at other times, WormTest and treat with an effective short-acting drench[1] if egg count exceeds 100 epg.
WormTest wethers in dry areas prior to shearing. Treat with an effective short-acting drench[1] if results are above 500 epg. Wethers in wetter areas can be treated as ewes.
Treat all ewes with an effective short-acting drench[1]. Consider using a long-acting product[1] in high worm-risk conditions[2]. Review this Drench Decision Guide prior to lamb marking.
Region zones are provided in the map below.
Ewes that are in the summer rainfall region[1] or are on perennial pastures in any region should be WormTested 6—8 weeks after they received their first summer drench at lamb marking or weaning:
Ewes not staying on perennial pastures and not in the summer rainfall region do not need treatment, but should be WormTested in April.
Region zones are provided in the map below.
Treat with an effective short-acting drench[1] before they go onto the low worm-risk fodder crop or perennial pasture.
WormTest all mobs. Treat with a short-acting drench[1] if egg count exceeds 500 epg. High counts indicate pasture contamination and that a long-acting treatment could be considered pre-lambing.
This recommendation should be read with the information provided below.
Review available drenches with the WormBoss drench search
Follow the product labels. Dose to the heaviest sheep in the mob or groups. 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 withholding periods and export slaughter intervals.
Use these 4 principles together, where possible:
For more details read the drench resistance section in the WormBoss Worm Control Program.
WormTest with a culture at 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 active to the long-acting treatment.
Seek professional 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 professional advice if WormTests are positive at or before 60 days.
These help to slow drench resistance to persistent treatments.
Protection period of persistent treatments
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.
Using a primer before long-acting treatments
Primer drenches (effective short-acting treatments that do not include the active in the long-acting treatment) should be given concurrently with all long-acting benzimidazole capsules (seek professional advice for use with other treatments).
Using an exit drench after all mid-length and long-acting treatments.
Seek professional advice on the need for an 'exit drench'—an effective short-acting treatment that does not include the active in the mid-length or long-acting treatment. This varies according to drench resistance profiles across properties.
Anytime that you are concerned that the persistent treatment is not providing protection, WormTest immediately and seek professional advice regarding drench resistance.
Drench Decision Guides
Management tools
Grazing management
Nutritional management
Breeding
Host immunity
The Barbervax vaccine program
Drenches
Drench resistance
Tests
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