Annual Program for Cattle – Central Victoria and Tasmania

Ticks

 Cattle tick is not a problem in this region

Problem ticks

• Paralysis tick and bush tick occur in this region peaking in spring and summer.
• Routine control measures for bush tick are generally not warranted.
• Young calves are particularly susceptible to paralysis tick toxin so if your property is in a paralysis tick area, consider treatment before paralysis ticks can inject a lethal dose of toxin.

Flies

 Buffalo flies are not a concern in this region.

• Climate largely unsuitable for buffalo fly.

Lice

Lice on cattle are generally not an economic problem. Only treat when heavily infested as indicated by rubbing on fences or structures.

Seasonal trends

Louse numbers increase

 late autumn   early spring

Optimal timing of treatment if needed (heavy infestation)

 late autumn

Louse numbers increase from late autumn through to early spring and then decline with increasing temperatures in spring and summer. Heavy infestations are usually seen in cattle in poor body condition. In most cases the lice are a consequence, and not the cause, of poor nutritional conditions. Where lice are an on-going problem a single treatment in late autumn will usually provide effective control.

Worms

Highest WECs

 Little seasonal variation

Significant worms

 Small brown stomach worm (Ostertagia ostertagi)

 Small intestinal worms (Cooperia species)

 Liver fluke

Other worms

 Barber’s pole worm (Haemonchus placei)

 Stomach hair worm (Trichostrongylus axei)

Calendars for worm and fluke control

Table 1. Calendar for worm and fluke control in spring calving herds.

Table 2. Calendar for worm and fluke control in autumn calving herds.