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Western Australian Winter Rainfall

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Drench Decision Guide

Western Australian winter rainfall

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Disclaimer:
Future events cannot reliably be predicted accurately. ParaBoss, UNE and Sheep CRC makes 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 ('Information'). ParaBoss, UNE and Sheep CRC disclaims 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.
In which WormBoss zone are these sheep?
(refer to map)

1The Western Australian winter rainfall region

The Western Australian winter rainfall region
Are these sheep showing signs[1] suggesting a worm infection?

Note: If deaths have occurred, discuss with a veterinarian. Treatment may be recommended before a WormTest is conducted, although a test will be needed for confirmation.

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 can cause similar signs. Consult your vet if WormTests do not indicate worms.

Are these lambs, weaners or hoggets (and at which stage)?
Which time or event applies to these adult sheep?
Are these sheep showing signs[1] suggesting a worm infection?

Note: If deaths have occurred, discuss with a veterinarian. Treatment may be recommended before a WormTest is conducted, although a test will be needed for confirmation.

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 can cause similar signs. Consult your vet if WormTests do not indicate worms.

Are these lambs, weaners or hoggets (and at which stage)?
Which time or event applies to these adult sheep?

WormBoss Drench Decision Guide Report

Region: Western Australian winter rainfall

Date: %04 %Nov %2024

Your Selections

History of selection will appear here

Your Recommended Action

Treat with an effective drench[1] and move to a paddock as 'worm-free' as possible and continue to check closely for signs of worms[2]. In 4—6 weeks if the summer drench was due, treat with an effective drench[1]; if not due, WormTest and treat if average worm egg count exceeds 200 epg.

  • Poorer condition sheep (average less than Condition Score 2.5): treat now with an effective drench[1] and WormTest in 4—6 weeks time.
  • Moderate/good condition sheep (average Condition Score 2.5 or more): WormTest now and drench if average worm egg count exceeds 200 epg, then WormTest in a further 4—6 weeks.

WormTest now rather than drench (as 'hypersensitivity' to worm larvae will not respond to drenching). Treat with an effective drench[1] if average worm egg count exceeds 200 epg.

  • If deaths have occurred, discuss with a veterinarian immediately. If this is not possible, both WormTest (request a barber's pole worm test) and treat with an effective drench[1] immediately, then seek advice.
  • If deaths have not occurred, WormTest now with a barber's pole worm test. Treat with an effective drench[1] if average egg count exceeds 500 epg, then WormTest again in 4—6 weeks[2].
  • If results show barber's pole worm is not the likely cause of anaemia and the problem persists, seek veterinary advice.

No treatment is required now if lambs are developing normally and putting on weight (if not seek veterinary advice). Treat at weaning with an effective drench[1].

Treat at weaning with an effective drench[1] and move to a paddock as 'worm-free' as possible and continue to check closely for signs of worms[2]. In 4—6 weeks if the summer drench was due, treat with an effective drench[1]; if not due, WormTest and treat if the worm egg count exceeds 200 epg.

Treat with an effective summer drench[1] and move to (or leave on) a dry pasture or crop stubble. If no drench resistance test results are current WormTest 10—14 days after the drench to check for complete worm removal.

WormTest at approximately 6-week intervals, starting 6 weeks after the autumn break, until late spring. Treat with an effective drench[1] if average egg count exceeds 300 epg (or a different threshold as agreed with your animal health advisor).

Treat rams with an effective drench[1] prior to joining, OR WormTest and treat if average egg count exceeds 100 epg.

Treat sheep with an effective drench[1] between the last week of March and mid-April, OR If in good condition (average Condition Score 2.5 or more), WormTest, then treat with an effective drench[1] if average egg count exceeds 200 epg. (Ewes: review the Drench Decision Guide again 3 weeks prior to lambing or if there are signs of worms[2]).

No drench is recommended, as worm burdens will be low after the autumn treatment. Review this Drench Decision Guide in late spring or if there are signs of worms[1].

WormTest 3 weeks before lambing starts and treat with an effective drench[1] if average worm egg count exceeds 200 epg. Review this Drench Decision Guide in late spring or if there are signs of worms[2].

WormTest rams and wethers after there has been green feed for 6 weeks; treat with an effective drench[1] if egg count exceeds 300 epg. Review this Drench Decision Guide in late spring or if there are signs of worms[2].

WormTest poorer condition sheep now (average Condition Score less than 2.5) and treat with an effective drench[1] if the average worm egg count is over 200 epg. Otherwise, continue checking for signs of worms[2] and WormTest if concerned.

Treat with an effective drench[1] and move to a paddock as 'worm-free' as possible and continue to monitor visually (if scouring persists 5 days after drenching seek veterinary advice). WormTest again in 4—6 weeks.

  • Poorer condition sheep (average less than Condition Score 2.5): treat now with an effective drench[1].
  • Moderate/good condition sheep (average Condition Score 2.5 or more): WormTest now and drench if average worm egg count exceeds 200 epg. After, continue checking for signs of worms[2] and WormTest if concerned.

Treat at weaning with an effective drench[1] and move to a paddock as 'worm-free' as possible. Continue checking for signs of worms[2] and WormTest if lambs are not growing to expectation.

Continue checking for signs of worms[1] from summer through to next spring and WormTest if concerned.

Continue checking for signs of worms[1] from autumn through spring and WormTest if sheep are losing condition.

Note: WormTests at key times (ewes: pre-lambing; other sheep: winter or spring) will establish an annual pattern and indicate whether routine treatments are necessary.

This recommendation should be read with the information provided below.

1Guidelines for worm control treatments to slow drench resistance

When giving all treatments

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.

Choosing treatment options on your property

Use these 4 principles together, where possible:

  1. Use drenches most effective on your property; ideally those shown to reduce worm egg count by at least 98%. If drench effectiveness is unknown, conduct a DrenchCheck-Day10 after drenching.
  2. Use a combination of 2 or more drench groups.
  3. Rotate drench groups each time a mob is drenched and for each paddock.
  4. Use short-acting treatments.

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

Long-acting treatments

These are rarely necessary in Western Australia as pasture planning can provide similar options without the risk that drench resistance may develop more rapidly when long-acting treatments are used. You should seek expert advice before using them; more details can be found in the WormBoss 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 can cause similar signs. Consult your vet if WormTests do not indicate worms.

3High risk worm conditions

Sheep can sometimes be rapidly re-infected with worms, occasionally causing illness and death within a month 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.