Ticks
Cattle tick is not a problem in this region
Problem ticks
- Bush tick rise in spring or with wet season, adults most numerous in spring and summer. Routine control measures for bush tick are generally not warranted.
Flies
Buffalo flies Stable flies
- Climate largely unsuitable for buffalo fly.
- Stable flies have become a significant problem in some areas of the Swan valley and cattle may require protective treatments.
Lice
Seasonal trends
Louse numbers increase
early winter early spring
Optimal timing of treatment if needed (usually not required)
early winter
Lice numbers increase from early winter 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 early winter will usually provide effective control.
Worms
Highest WECs
Autumn
Significant worms
Small brown stomach worm (Ostertagia ostertagi)
Barber’s pole worm (Haemonchus placei)
Small intestinal worms (Cooperia species)
Other worms
Nodule worm (Oesophagostomum radiatum)
Stomach hair worm (Trichostrongylus axei)
Calendar for worm and fluke control
| KEY |
| √ |
Strategic worm treatment given each year |
| (√) |
Not a routine treatment. Indicators for treatment include scouring, sudden loss of condition and a condition score of 2 or less, especially if feed availability is less than 1,000kg DM/ha. Treatment will be more effective if combined with a change to ‘low-risk’ pastures, especially for young stock. |
| Fi |
Both adult and immature fluke present – select a drench that kills all fluke stages |
| (Fi) |
Adult and immature fluke present. This drench may not be needed on properties with a low fluke risk. |
| F |
Only adult fluke present. Use a drench other than triclabendazole to help slow the development of resistance. |
Table 1. Calendar for worm and fluke control.
| Class of Cattle |
Time of year |
| December-January |
May |
| Autumn born weaners/yearlings |
√ Weaning |
(√) |
| Spring born weaners/yearlings |
Drench at weaning (Mar-Apr) |
√ |
| Heifers/unsold yearlings |
(√) |
(√) |
| Adult cows |
Adult cows usually develop a strong immunity to roundworms so mob-scale drenching should not be required – individual cows showing reduced weight gains or signs of internal parasitism (diarrhoea, low body condition score, ill-thrift or high WEC) should be treated. |
| Bulls |
Drench 7 weeks prior to joining |
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