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Ticks Worms Flies  Buffalo flies  House flies  Stable flies Lice

Annual Program for Cattle in Northern Australia

Ticks  Cattle tick Seasonal trends Optimal timing of treatment if needed: cattle tick  Start of wet season Flies  Buffalo flies can become a significant problem in the wet season. Lice Seasonal […]

Annual Program for Cattle in Western Victoria and South Australia

Ticks Climate largely unsuitable for ticks of economic importance to cattle so routine tick treatment programs not required. Flies  Buffalo flies are not a concern in this region. Climate largely unsuitable […]

Annual Program for Cattle – Central Victoria and Tasmania

Ticks  Cattle tick is not a problem in this region Problem ticks Flies  Buffalo flies are not a concern in this region. Lice Lice on cattle are generally not an economic problem. […]

Annual Program for Cattle in Subtropical Coastal QLD

Ticks  Cattle tick  Paralysis tick  Bush tick Seasonal trends Optimal timing of cattle tick treatment if needed  Start of spring Flies  Buffalo flies Beef animals. 200 flies Dairy animals. 30 flies Lice […]

Annual Program for Cattle in Subtropical Rangelands

Ticks  Cattle tick is not a problem in this region Flies  Buffalo flies may become a problem in some areas during very wet seasons. Beef animals. 200 flies Dairy animals. 30 flies […]

Annual Program for Cattle in Temperate Rangelands

Ticks Climate largely unsuitable for ticks of economic importance to cattle so routine tick treatment programs not required. Flies  Buffalo flies are not normally a concern in this region but may […]

Annual Program for Cattle in Tropical Coast QLD

Ticks  Cattle tick  Paralysis tick Seasonal trends Cattle tick adults most active December through June. Paralysis tick most active July through December, adults peaking in spring (normal calving time). Young calves […]

Annual Program for Cattle in South-western WA

Ticks  Cattle tick is not a problem in this region Problem ticks Flies  Buffalo flies  Stable flies Lice Seasonal trends Louse numbers increase  early winter   early spring Optimal timing of treatment if needed […]

Annual Program for Cattle in Northern Tablelands NSW

Ticks  Cattle tick is not usually a problem in this region Problem ticks Flies  Buffalo flies now commonly found during summer. Beef animals. 200 flies Dairy animals. 30 flies Lice Lice on […]

Annual Program for Cattle in North Coast NSW

Ticks  Cattle tick is not routinely a problem in this region but outbreaks can and do happen, most often following cattle introductions from other tick-endemic areas. Problem ticks Flies  Buffalo flies Beef […]

Annual Program for Cattle in Southern and Central Slopes and Tablelands NSW

Ticks  Cattle tick is not usually a problem in this region Problem ticks Flies  Buffalo flies are not a concern in this region. Lice Lice on cattle are generally not an economic […]

Annual Program for Cattle in South and Central Coast NSW

Ticks  Cattle tick is not a problem in this region Problem ticks Flies  Buffalo flies  Stable flies Lice Lice on cattle are generally not an economic problem. Only treat when heavily infested […]

Annual Program for Cattle

The annual program describes the program of treatments and interventions for each Australian climatic and geographical region (Figure 1). The recommendations for each region are generic and therefore need to be […]

Appendices: Further Information on Goat Worm Control for QLD Central and South, and NSW Northwest

Managing Drench Resistance for Goats in QLD and NSW Northwest

Why manage drench resistance? Never assume that a drench treatment will completely kill worms in your goats. Drench resistance is a result of worms having genes that enable them to […]

When to Drench and When to WormTest for Goats – QLD Central and Southern and NSW Northwest

Why check worm burdens in goats? Checking worm burdens with a WormTest is essential for correct and timely drenching decisions and to confirm that your worm control program is on track. The […]

Grazing Management for Goats in NSW and QLD Region

Sheep and goats carry the same worms, and when grazed together goats carry heavier worm burdens than do sheep, especially in the absence of browse. It is best to not […]

Introduction

Where is the QLD central and south and NSW northwest region? This region covers the slopes and plains of northern NSW and southern Queensland, and the Queensland Central Tablelands that […]

Appendices: Further Information on Sheep Worm Control for NSW and QLD Summer Rainfall

Managing Drench Resistance in Sheep – QLD/NSW Summer Rainfall/Slopes and Plains

Why manage drench resistance? Never assume that a drench treatment will completely kill worms in your livestock. Drench resistance is a result of worms having genes that enable them to […]

Appendices: Further Information on Goat Worm Control for NSW Northeast and QLD Granite Belt

Managing Drench Resistance for Goats – NSW Northeast and QLD Granite Belt

Why manage drench resistance? Never assume that a drench treatment will completely kill worms in your goats. Drench resistance is a result of worms having genes that enable them to […]

When to Drench and When to WormTest for Goats – NSW Northwest and OLD Granite Belt

Why check worm burdens in goats? Checking worm burdens with a WormTest is essential for correct and timely drenching decisions and to confirm that your worm control program is on track. The […]

Grazing Management for Goats – NSW Northeast and QLD Granite Belt

Sheep and goats carry the same worms, and when grazed together goats carry heavier worm burdens than do sheep, especially in the absence of browse. It is best to not […]

Introduction

Where is the NSW northeast and QLD Granite Belt region? This region has summer-dominant rainfall and cold winters on and west of the Great Dividing Range. Its eastern border is […]

When to Drench and When to WormTest for Goats – Rangelands

In the Rangeland region, no drenches should be given routinely, apart from quarantine drenches for purchased goats (unless just captured), including bucks. Consideration could be given to drenching in unusual […]

Managing Drench Resistance for Goats in Rangelands Region

Why manage drench resistance? Drench resistance can occur in very dry areas and this is mainly due to: Never assume that a drench treatment will completely kill worms in your […]

Appendices: Further Information on Goat Worm Control for Rangelands

Grazing Management for Goats in Rangelands Region

In this region grazing management is not routinely used as a preventative strategy to reduce exposure of goats to worms as pasture contamination with worm larvae is usually low and […]

Introduction

Where is the Rangelands (pastoral) region? This region covers the areas across Australia where goats are run under low rainfall conditions. In central and southern areas, this is generally less […]

Appendices: Further Information on Goat Worm Control for East Coast Regions

Managing Drench Resistance for Goats in East Coast Region

Why manage drench resistance? Never assume that a drench treatment will completely kill worms in your goats. Drench resistance is a result of worms having genes that enable them to […]

When to WormTest and when to drench goats

Why check worm burdens in goats? Checking worm burdens with a WormTest is essential for correct and timely drenching decisions and to confirm that your worm control program is on […]

Breed and Feed for Goats Resistant and Resilient to Worms

Breed for worm-resistant goats Genetic selection can be used to increase the resistance of goats to worms. To increase the genetic resistance of your herd to worms, use bucks with better than […]

Grazing Management for Goats in East Coast Region

Sheep and goats carry the same worms and when grazed together goats carry heavier worm burdens than do sheep, especially in the absence of browse. It is best to not […]

Grazing Management for Sheep in QLD NSW Summer Rainfall Slopes and Plains Region

Effective grazing management reduces the exposure of sheep to worms. There are three methods: The last two are used to prepare ‘low worm-risk’ paddocks for lambing ewes and weaners. How […]

Introduction

Where is the East Coast region? This region runs south from Cooktown, QLD to Melbourne, VIC. It covers several climatic regions and generally lies east of the Great Dividing Range, with much […]

Introduction

Where is the summer rainfall/slopes and plains region? This region covers the slopes and plains of northern NSW and southern Queensland that have summer-dominant rainfall, averaging 400 to 650 mm […]

Appendices: Further Information on Goat Worm Control for Australian Smallholders

Worm Control Program – QLD/NSW Summer rainfall/slopes and plains

Program Summary The WormBoss worm control program for the summer rainfall/slopes and plains region has five components that are most effective when used in combination. Open the complete program (PDF) […]

Managing Drench Resistance in Goats – Australian Small holders

Why manage drench resistance? Never assume that a drench treatment will completely kill worms in your goats. Drench resistance is a result of worms having genes that enable them to […]

When to Check and When to Drench for Goats – Australian Smallholders

What signs to assess and when Where worm egg count is not used, there are three indicators that animals can be affected by worms; these reflect different worm types: Sign […]

Avoiding Worms in Goats

Grazing management Managing and spelling pastures at the right times and for the necessary length of time is a proven method to reduce the level of contamination on paddocks. However, […]

Introduction

Where does this program apply? The Smallholder worm control program is applicable across Australia for smallholders who do not have the infrastructure to be able to practice grazing management to […]

Worm Control Program for Goats

The WormBoss worm control programs have been developed from local research results and experience proven to be relevant and successful for most farms in the region. The regional key and […]

Appendices: Further Information on Sheep Worm Control for SA Winter Rainfall

Managing Drench Resistance in Sheep – SA Winter Rainfall Region

Why manage drench resistance? Never assume that a drench treatment will completely kill worms in your livestock. Drench resistance is a result of worms having genes that enable them to […]

When to Drench and When to WormTest for Sheep – South Australian Winter Rainfall Region

Why check worm burdens in sheep? Checking worm burdens with a WormTest is essential for correct and timely drenching decisions. The result is healthy sheep without unnecessary drenching. WormTests are the best basis […]

Grazing Management for Sheep in South Australian Winter Rainfall Region

Effective grazing management reduces the exposure of sheep to worms. There are three methods: Which sheep are most susceptible to worms? Weaners and hoggets are the class of sheep most […]

Introduction

Where is the South Australian winter rainfall region? In South Australia, there are 3 zones within the winter rainfall region. Information for these 3 zones is in this article. In […]

WormBoss worm control program for goats – Victoria

Open complete program (PDF) Program summary The WormBoss worm control program has five components that are most effective when used in combination. A summary of the components is below (see […]

Factors Contributing to Paddock Contamination With Worms in SA Region

The following table applies to: brown stomach worm (Teladorsagia circumcincta) black scour worm (Trichostrongylus species) barber’s pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) Factor Time or conditions Effect Minimum time before worm eggs can become […]

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Appendices: Further Information on Goat Worm Control for Western Australia

Click on the headings below to access the following: Return to Summary page

Introduction

Where is the Western Australia region? In Western Australia, there are two main ‘worm control’ zones within the winter rainfall region. Both have a typical Mediterranean-type climate, defined by hot, […]

Testing Drench Effectiveness with a DrenchTest or WECRT

Faecal worm egg count reduction tests (WECRTs) allow the effectiveness of several different drenches to be evaluated at the same time across a mob of animals. They provide a producer […]

Before and After Testing (DrenchCheck)

A DrenchCheck provides a simple, fast and low cost indication of possible drench resistance. It uses two faecal worm egg counts (WECs); the first test measures worm egg numbers ‘before’ drenching and the […]

Post-Drench Faecal Worm Egg Counts

A post-drench faecal worm egg count (WEC) is conducted 14 days after drenching to count the number of worm eggs remaining in the faeces post drench. It provides an indication of whether or not […]

FAMACHA

The FAMACHA system The FAMACHA® system is a methodology to slow the development of drench resistance in barber’s pole worms of sheep and goats. It is based on minimising the […]

WormBoss Regional Worm Control Programs for Sheep and Goats: Overview

WormBoss has developed a worm control program for each WormBoss region of Australia that will assist you to manage worms profitably and sustainably, for sheep and for goats. Each program […]

Appendices: Further Information on Sheep Worm Control for Western Australia Winter Rainfall Regions

Managing Drench Resistance for Sheep in Western Australia Winter Rainfall Region

Why manage drench resistance? To stay profitable in the long-term, you will need to prolong the effective lives of old and new drench groups by using them well. (Drench groups […]

When to Drench and When to WormTest for Sheep – Western Australia Winter Rainfall

Annual drenching programs (‘Summer-autumn drenching’) The strongly seasonal nature of Mediterranean environments lends itself to a routine drenching program, as dry summer and autumn pastures are unfavourable for worms, and […]

Grazing Management for Sheep in Western Australia Winter Rainfall Region

Effective grazing management (pasture planning) reduces the exposure of sheep to worms, and hence the likelihood of worm disease or significant production loss. There are three methods for minimising the […]

Introduction

Where is the Western Australian winter rainfall region? In Western Australia, there are two main ‘worm control’ zones within the winter rainfall region. Both have a typical Mediterranean-type climate, defined […]

Worm Control Program – Western Australia winter rainfall

Program summary The WormBoss worm control program for the Western Australian winter rainfall region has five components that are most effective when used in combination. Open the complete program (PDF) […]

Appendices: Further Information on Sheep Worm Control for Victorian Winter Rainfall Regions

Managing Drench Resistance for Sheep in Victorian Winter Rainfall Region

Why manage drench resistance? To stay profitable in the long-term, you will need to prolong the effective lives of old and new drench groups by using them well. (Drench groups […]

When to Drench and When to WormTest for Sheep – Victorian Winter Rainfall Region

Why check worm burdens in sheep? Checking worm burdens with a WormTest is essential for correct and timely drenching decisions. The result is healthy sheep without unnecessary drenching. WormTests are […]

Grazing Management for Victorian Winter Rainfall Region

Effective grazing management reduces the exposure of sheep to worms. There are three methods: How are low worm­‐risk weaner paddocks prepared? Weaners are the class of sheep most susceptible to […]

Introduction

Where is the Victorian winter rainfall region? This region generally has winter-dominant rainfall, mostly greater than 500 mm. The area covers most of Victoria, except for the drier north-western area […]

Worm Control Program – Victorian winter rainfall

Program summary The WormBoss worm control program for the Victorian winter rainfall region has five components that are most effective when used in combination. Open the complete program (PDF) A […]

Managing Drench Resistance in Sheep – Tasmania

Why manage drench resistance? To stay profitable in the long-term, you will need to prolong the effective lives of old and new drench groups by using them well. (Drench groups […]

When to Drench and When to WormTest for Sheep – Tasmania

Why check worm burdens in sheep? Checking worm burdens with a WormTest is essential for correct and timely drenching decisions. The result is healthy sheep without unnecessary drenching. WormTests are […]

Grazing management

Effective grazing management reduces the exposure of sheep to worms. This involves How are low worm‐risk weaner paddocks prepared? Weaners are the class of sheep most susceptible to worms, especially […]

Introduction

What worm control regions are in Tasmania? The Tasmanian high rainfall (prime-­lamb) region This region includes King Island, the North Coast between Wynyard and Launceston. These are the high winter […]

Worm Control Program – Tasmania

Program summary The WormBoss worm control program for Tasmania has five components that are most effective when used in combination. Open the complete program (PDF) A summary of the components […]

Appendices: Further information on Sheep Worm Control for QLD/ NSW Summer Rainfall/ Tablelands and Slopes

Managing Drench Resistance in Sheep – Summer Rainfall/ Tablelands and Slopes

Why manage drench resistance? To stay profitable in the long-term, you will need to prolong the effective lives of old and new drench groups by using them well. (Drench groups […]

When to Drench and When to WormTest for Sheep – Summer Rainfall/ Tablelands and Slopes

Why check worm burdens in sheep? Checking worm burdens with a WormTest is essential for correct and timely drenching decisions. The result is healthy sheep without unnecessary drenching. WormTests are […]

Grazing Management for Sheep in Summer Rainfall Tablelands and Slopes Region

Effective grazing management reduces the exposure of sheep to worms. There are three methods: The last two are used to prepare ‘low worm-risk’ paddocks for lambing ewes and weaners. How […]

Introduction

Where is the summer rainfall/tablelands and slopes region? This region has summer-dominant rainfall and cold winters west of the Great Dividing Range, but is warmer in the coastal areas. It […]

Worm Control Program – Summer rainfall / tablelands and slopes

Program summary The WormBoss worm control program for the NSW and QLD summer rainfall/tablelands and slopes region has five components that are most effective when used in combination. Open the complete […]

Worm Control Program – South Australian winter rainfall

Program Summary The WormBoss worm control program for the South Australian winter rainfall region has five components that are most effective when used in combination. Open the complete program (PDF) […]

Appendices: Further Information on Sheep Worm Control – Pastoral Regions

Managing Drench Resistance in Sheep – Pastoral

Why manage drench resistance? Drench resistance can occur in very dry areas and this is mainly due to: Selection for drench resistance happens when worms in a sheep are exposed […]

When to Drench and When to WormTest for Sheep – Pastoral

Why check worm burdens in sheep? Checking worm burdens with a WormTest is essential for correct and timely drenching decisions. The result is healthy sheep, without unnecessary drenching. WormTests are […]

Grazing Management for Sheep in Pastoral Region

In this region, grazing management is not routinely used as a preventative strategy to reduce exposure of sheep to worms, as pasture contamination with worm larvae is usually low and […]

Introduction

Where is the Pastoral region? This region covers the areas across Australia where sheep are run under low rainfall conditions. In central and southern areas, this is generally less than […]

Worm Control Program – Pastoral

Program summary The WormBoss worm control program for the pastoral region has five components that are effective when used in combination. Their effectiveness is reduced when not used in an […]

Appendices: Further Information on Sheep Worm Control for NSW Non-Seasonal Rainfall Region

Managing Drench Resistance in Sheep – NSW Non-seasonal Rainfall

Why manage drench resistance? To stay profitable in the long-term, you will need to prolong the effective lives of old and new drench groups by using them well. (Drench groups […]

When to Drench and When to WormTest for Sheep – NSW Non-Seasonal Rainfall

Why check worm burdens in sheep? Checking worm burdens with a WormTest is essential for correct and timely drenching decisions. The result is healthy sheep, without unnecessary drenching. WormTests are […]

Grazing Management for Sheep in NSW Non-Seasonal Rainfall Region

Effective grazing management reduces the exposure of sheep to worms. There are three methods: The last two are used to prepare ‘low worm-risk’ paddocks for lambing ewes and weaners. How […]

Introduction

Where is the non-seasonal rainfall region? This region generally has non-seasonal or uniform rainfall (350-850 mm) extending to winter dominant rainfall areas within the eastern Riverina. Some areas tend to […]

Worm Control Program – NSW non-seasonal rainfall

Program summary The WormBoss worm control program for sheep in the non-seasonal rainfall region has five components that are effective when used in combination. Their effectiveness is reduced when not […]

Online Learning: Pastoral—Sheep worms

This covers the important worms and aspects about them you should know most about. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it […]

Online Learning: Pastoral—Drench Resistance Management

This strategy helps to preserve the effectiveness of your drenches for more years. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in […]

Online Learning: Pastoral—Worm Testing

Aside from drenches at one or two strategic times the mob’s average worm egg count should be the basis for other drenching decisions. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: Pastoral—Breeding for Worm Resistance

This strategy helps your flock to withstand the worms that are present. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in order. […]

Online Learning: Pastoral—Grazing Management

Low worm-risk paddocks created by grazing management reduce the pressure from worms at key times, generally resulting in the need for fewer drenches. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: Pastoral—Introduction

The introduction gives a summary of the annual control program and describes the worm control regions and worms encountered here. Structured reading For those who like to see all the […]

Online Learning: QLD/ NSW Summer Rainfall/ Slopes and Plains—Sheep Worms

This covers the important worms and aspects about them you should know most about. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it […]

Online Learning: QLD/ NSW Summer Rainfall/ Tablelands and Slopes—Drench Resistance Management

This strategy helps to preserve the effectiveness of your drenches for more years. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in […]

Online Learning: QLD/ NSW Summer Rainfall/ Slopes and Plains—Deciding When to Drench and What Drench to Use

This strategy describes when to use strategic drenches and how to decide when tactical/therapeutic drenches are needed. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply […]

Online Learning: QLD/ NSW Summer Rainfall/ Slopes and Plains—Worm Testing

Aside from drenches at one or two strategic times the mob’s average worm egg count should be the basis for other drenching decisions. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: QLD/ NSW Summer Rainfall/ Slopes and Plains—Grazing Management

Low worm-risk paddocks created by grazing management reduce the pressure from worms at key times, generally resulting in the need for fewer drenches. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: QLD/ NSW Summer Rainfall/ Slopes and Plains—Introduction

The introduction gives a summary of the annual control program and describes the worm control regions and worms encountered here. Structured reading For those who like to see all the […]

Online Learning: QLD/ NSW Summer Rainfall/ Slopes and Plains—Sheep Worms

This covers the important worms and aspects about them you should know most about. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it […]

Online Learning: QLD/ NSW Summer Rainfall/ Slopes and Plains—Drench Resistance Management

This strategy helps to preserve the effectiveness of your drenches for more years. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in […]

Online learning: QLD/ NSW Summer Rainfall/ Slopes and Plains—Deciding When to Drench and What Drench to Use

This strategy describes when to use strategic drenches and how to decide when tactical/therapeutic drenches are needed. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply […]

Online Learning: QLD/ NSW Summer Rainfall/ Slopes and Plains—Worm Testing

Aside from drenches at one or two strategic times the mob’s average worm egg count should be the basis for other drenching decisions. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: QLD/ NSW Summer Rainfall/ Slopes and Plains—Breeding for Worm Resistance

This strategy helps your flock to withstand the worms that are present. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in order. […]

Online Learning: QLD/ NSW Summer Rainfall/ Slopes and Plains—Grazing Management

Low worm-risk paddocks created by grazing management reduce the pressure from worms at key times, generally resulting in the need for fewer drenches. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: QLD/NSW Summer Rainfall/ Slopes and Plains

The introduction gives a summary of the annual control program and describes the worm control regions and worms encountered here. Structured reading For those who like to see all the […]

Online Learning: NSW Non-Seasonal Rainfall—Sheep Worms

This covers the important worms and aspects about them you should know most about. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it […]

Online Learning: NSW Non-Seasonal Rainfall—Drench Resistance Management

This strategy helps to preserve the effectiveness of your drenches for more years. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in […]

Online Learning: NSW Non-Seasonal Rainfall—Deciding When to Drench and What Drench to Use

This strategy describes when to use strategic drenches and how to decide when tactical/therapeutic drenches are needed. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply […]

Online Learning: NSW Non-Seasonal Rainfall—Worm Testing

Aside from drenches at one or two strategic times the mob’s average worm egg count should be the basis for other drenching decisions. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: NSW Non-Seasonal Rainfall—Breeding For Worm Resistance

This strategy helps your flock to withstand the worms that are present. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in order. […]

Online Learning: NSW Non-Seasonal Rainfall—Grazing Management

Low worm-risk paddocks created by grazing management reduce the pressure from worms at key times, generally resulting in the need for fewer drenches. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: NSW Non-Seasonal Rainfall—Introduction

The introduction gives a summary of the annual control program and describes the worm control regions and worms encountered here. Structured reading For those who like to see all the […]

Online Learning: Tasmania—Sheep Worms

This covers the important worms and aspects about them you should know most about. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it […]

Online Learning: Tasmania—Drench Resistance Management

This strategy helps to preserve the effectiveness of your drenches for more years. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in […]

Online Learning: Tasmania—Deciding When to Drench and What Drench to Use

This strategy describes when to use strategic drenches and how to decide when tactical/therapeutic drenches are needed. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply […]

Online Learning: Tasmania—Breeding for Worm Resistance

This strategy helps your flock to withstand the worms that are present. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in order. […]

Online Learning: Tasmania—Introduction

The introduction gives a summary of the annual control program and describes the worm control regions and worms encountered here. Structured reading For those who like to see all the […]

Online Learning: Victorian Winter Rainfall

The following seven topics will give you a solid understanding of the management of sheep worms for this region. Click on each topic to go to a page that provides […]

Online Learning: South Australian Winter Rainfall—Drench Resistance Management

This strategy helps to preserve the effectiveness of your drenches for more years. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in […]

Online Learning: South Australian Winter Rainfall – Deciding When to Drench and What Drench to Use

This strategy describes when to use strategic drenches and how to decide when tactical/therapeutic drenches are needed. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply […]

Online Learning: South Australian Winter Rainfall—Worm Testing

Aside from drenches at one or two strategic times the mob’s average worm egg count should be the basis for other drenching decisions. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: South Australian Winter Rainfall—Breeding for Worm Resistance

This strategy helps your flock to withstand the worms that are present. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in order. […]

Online Learning: South Australian Winter Rainfall—Grazing management

Low worm-risk paddocks created by grazing management reduce the pressure from worms at key times, generally resulting in the need for fewer drenches. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: South Australian Winter Rainfall—Introduction

The introduction gives a summary of the annual control program and describes the worm control regions and worms encountered here. Structured reading For those who like to see all the […]

Online Learning: Western Australian Winter Rainfall—Sheep Worms

This covers the important worms and aspects about them you should know most about. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it […]

Online Learning: Western Australian Winter Rainfall—Drench Resistance Management

This strategy helps to preserve the effectiveness of your drenches for more years. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in […]

Online Learning: Western Australian Winter Rainfall—Deciding When to Drench and What Drench to Use

This strategy describes when to use strategic drenches and how to decide when tactical/therapeutic drenches are needed. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply […]

Online Learning: Western Australian Winter Rainfall—Worm Testing

Aside from drenches at one or two strategic times, the mob’s average worm egg count should be the basis for other drenching decisions. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: Western Australian Winter Rainfall—Breeding for Worm Resistance

This strategy helps your flock to withstand the worms that are present. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in order. […]

Online Learning: Western Australian Winter Rainfall—Grazing Management

Low worm-risk paddocks created by grazing management reduce the pressure from worms at key times, generally resulting in the need for fewer drenches. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: Western Australian Winter Rainfall—Introduction

The introduction gives a summary of the annual control program and describes the worm control regions and worms encountered here. Structured reading For those who like to see all the […]

WormBoss Online Learning: Western Australian Winter Rainfall

The following seven topics will give you a solid understanding of the management of sheep worms for this region. Click on each topic to go to a page that provides […]

Learn About Sheep Worm Control in Australia

WormBoss Online Learning is FREE Formal training is also now available through: Find the list of ParaBoss certified advisors here What topics are covered? Learn about the important topics that […]

Wasting in Goats

Not all goats that are losing weight, weak and lethargic are suffering from worms, or they may be suffering from worms as well as another disease condition. Goats may become […]

Dairy Goats and Milking Sheep

There are very few anthelmintic products registered for dairy goats or milking sheep where milk may be used for human consumption. Many anthelmintic products have label instructions that state “DO […]

Withholding Periods for Worm, Lice and Fly Treatments for Sheep

Withholding periods are mandatory with all registered veterinary products used to treat sheep for worms, flies or lice. These periods have been developed to indicate when the chemical residue that […]

Resistance status of drench groups

The notes below are a general overview of the drench-resistance of worms to the drench groups listed at November 2012. They are based on reports from parasitologists, worm testing laboratories, […]

Using Refugia to Prolong Drench Life

What is refugia? Refugia is simply the Latin term for ‘in refuge’. When managing drench (anthelmintic) resistance, the aim is to avoid all of the population of worms being exposed […]

How Can Drench-Resistant Worms Be Kept Out of Your Property? – Goats

Keeping drench-resistant worms out of your property is part of sustainable goat worm control. Assume that purchased goats (and sheep), including those returning from agistment, are carrying worms with some […]

How Can Drench-Resistant Worms Be Kept Out of Your Property? – Sheep

Keeping drench-resistant worms out of your property is part of sustainable worm control. Assume that purchased sheep (and those returning from agistment) are carrying worms with some degree of drench […]

Managing Drench Resistance – Goats

Why manage drench resistance? Never assume that a drench treatment will completely kill worms in your livestock. Drench resistance is a result of worms having genes that enable them to […]

Managing Drench Resistance – Sheep

Problem: Drench resistance limits the drench products that you can use, the therapeutic benefits of a drench and the ability to prepare low worm-risk paddocks. Solution: Drench resistance can be […]

Targeted Treatment Drenching Guidelines

“Targeted Treatment” involves drenching only a portion of specific mobs at particular times, to slow down the development of drench resistance across a property by having more of the worm […]

Weaners and the First Summer Drench

The first summer drench is a strategic drench given to sheep and goats in the winter rainfall areas of Australia. It plays a major role in the preparation of low […]

Strategic Versus Tactical Drenching

On this page (click to shortcut to each section): What are strategic and tactical drenches? Strategic drench: a drench given at a critical time to reduce worm larval contamination of […]

Choosing and Using Drenches

The WormBoss Drench Decision Guides will provide you with recommendations on when to drench as well as what length protection drench may be required. The specific drench group and/or active […]

Effective Use of Long-Acting Drenches

Effective persistent treatments kill immature and adult worms at the time of treatment, as well as infective larvae eaten by animals (with pasture) during the period of protection of the […]

Drenches for Goats: Alternatives to Registered Commercial Drench Products

Many hobby goat breeders or commercial goat producers wanting to target organic markets are interested in alternatives to registered commercial anthelmintic (drench) products. ‘Registered’ refers to products that have been […]

Drenches for Goats: Using Cattle and Horse Anthelmintics

Equine worming products and cattle pour-on products may be convenient, but these products should NOT be used in goats. Equine products These products are attractive to hobby goat owners, because […]

Drenches for Goats: Using Products Correctly and Legally

The legal use of products not registered for goats requires an off-label recommendation from your veterinarian. A veterinarian should be consulted to recommend the most effective product and dose for […]

Drench Mixtures and Combinations

Some drenches contain more than one anthelmintic ‘active ingredient’ (also simply called an ‘active’), that is, the chemical that is responsible for killing worms. These are often referred to as […]

Drench Rotation Versus Combinations to Combat Drench Resistance

Rotation between different drench groups generally does little to slow development of drench resistance and should not be used at the expense of these three highly effective practices: However, there […]

Combination Drenches – Benefits and Efficacy

WormBoss recommends using effective drenches and where possible, these should be combinations. So what is a combination drench? This type of drench contains two or more active ingredients that each […]

Drench Groups and Actives – Goats

Drench groups and actives for goats When using anthelmintic products in goats, a veterinary prescription is often required because: –Goats require a different dose rate and withholding period than specified on […]

Drench Groups and Actives – Sheep

Drench groups and actives for sheep Paraboss Drench Decision Guide for Sheep Drench groups and actives Worms Examples* of brand names/comments BZ or benzimidazole group (‘white’)Balbendazolefenbendazoleoxfendazole barber’s pole worm, ‘scour […]

How To Use Barbervax® in Goats

Barbervax®, used under the prescription and supervision of a veterinarian, has the potential to improve the control of barber’s pole worm in goats in Australia. In Australia, many goat owners […]

Barbervax® Vaccine in Goats

The Barbervax® vaccine is a potentially useful product for the control of barber’s pole worm in goats, not just sheep. Unfortunately, the registration trials of the Barbervax® vaccine in Australia […]

The Barbervax® Vaccine Program

Problem: Drench resistance has reduced drench options on your property and/or barber’s pole worm is a significant problem year-round and you are in need of a new approach to barber’s […]

Immunity of Goats to Worm Infection

Watch the video extract from the ParaBoss Conference 2018 on the ‘Development of immunity to worms’, presented by Dr John Webb Ware and Dr Caroline Jacobson. Immunity is the means by which […]

Immunity of Sheep to Worm Infection

Immunity is the means by which sheep become resistant to worm infection. The immune response by sheep is complex and requires exposure to a sufficient level of infective worm larvae. […]

Understanding WEC and DAG Breeding Values (ASBV, Goat EBV)

When breeding for worm resistance, animals are selected for lower WEC ASBV or EBV. Dag ASBV does not affect worm resistance, rather, reducing dag through selection of lower DAG ASBV decreases the […]

Breeding for Worm Resistance – Goats

Problem: Are you finding yourself having to drench too frequently? Are some of your goats becoming affected by worms more easily than others? Or do you simply need to broaden […]

Breeding for Worm Resistance – Sheep

Problem: Are you finding yourself having to drench too frequently? Are some of your sheep becoming affected by worms more easily than others? Or do you simply need to broaden your […]

Nutrition for Resistance and Resilience to Worms – Goats

Nutrition and the body condition of goats have a major impact on the resistance and resilience of goats to worms: Goats that are resilient to worms can, despite carrying a […]

Nutrition for Resistance and Resilience to Worms – Sheep

Nutrition and the condition of sheep can have a major impact on the resistance and resilience of sheep to worms: Good nutrition and managing the condition of ewes and the […]

Feedlotting or Zero-Grazing Goats

Problem: Serious worm problems arise because: there are few drenches registered for dairy goats, rotational grazing with other livestock is not practical for many backyard goat keepers, high stocking levels […]

Pasture and Browse for Worm Control in Goats

Problem: Your goats are affected by worms most or all year-round and control is difficult to achieve. Solution: Consider using plants that have anthelmintic properties (they reduce worm burdens) and […]

How Long Do Larvae Take to Die?

A number of the strategies on this page rely on waiting for worm larvae to die (while no further contamination occurs) to achieve a low worm-risk pasture. Worm eggs may […]

Smart Grazing for Weaner Worm Control in Sheep

Problem: Weaners are very susceptible to worms during their first winter and pastures at this time often present a very heavy worm challenge resulting in poor growth and illness. Solution: […]

Scour Worm Larvae on Pasture

The graph shows the availability of infective larvae of the winter scour worms on pasture throughout the year. The peak occurs around June–August (the exact time of the peak depends […]

Larval Survival of Barber’s Pole Worm

Problem: Many producers are unaware how long is required to prepare low worm-risk paddocks, although surveys show most are in favour of using them. Solution: Understanding the few conditions under […]

Factors Contributing to Paddock Contamination with Worms

The following table applies to: Factor Time or conditions Effect Minimum time before worm eggs can become infective larvae. 4–10 days Short graze periods (less than 4 days) prevent ‘auto-infection’ […]

Grazing Management – Goats

Effective grazing management reduces the exposure of goats to worms. There are four basics: Alternating grazing of goats with cattle or horses Alternating grazing between cattle and goats is an […]

Grazing Management – Sheep

Problem: Continually high worm burdens in your grazing animals resulting in the need to drench more frequently. Solution: Managing the frequency and intensity with which livestock graze pasture reduces the […]

Preparing Low Worm-Risk Paddocks for Sheep

Problem: Continuous recontamination of the paddocks with worm eggs that develop to larvae is a major cause of ongoing worm problems for sheep or goats. Solution: Preparing low worm-risk paddocks […]

Assessing Faecal Consistency Score for Sheep and Goats

The consistency of faeces can bias the results of a worm egg count. The wetter the faeces, the lower will be the worm egg count relative to drier faeces, because […]

Assessing Worm Burdens Without a WormTest – Goats

If you are concerned that your goats may need drenching now, but are unsure, please go to the Drench Decision Guide for your region.  A WormTest or worm egg count is generally […]

Assessing Worm Burdens Without a WormTest – Sheep

If you are concerned that your sheep may need drenching now, but are unsure, please go to the Drench Decision Guide for your region. A WormTest or worm egg count […]

Worm Testing for Stud Goat Breeders

Commercial goat farmers, especially in the higher rainfall areas of Australia, increasingly want goats that better resist parasites. As a result, the number of stud goat breeders offering bucks with […]

Worm Testing for Ram Breeders

Commercial sheep breeders, especially in the higher rainfall areas of Australia, increasingly want sheep that better resist parasite burdens. As a result, the number of ram breeders offering rams with […]

Worm Egg Counting for Sheep and Goats

Worm egg counting is one of the most useful worm management tools a sheep or goat producer can use. You will also see this test referred to as a WormTest […]

Collecting Dung Samples From Individual Sheep or Goats

Why do samples need to be collected directly from the sheep or goat? Individual samples are collected directly from the rectum of each sheep or goat for a DrenchTest or […]

Testing Drench Effectiveness with a DrenchTest

A DrenchTest provides sheep and goat producers with the information about which drenches are no longer working effectively due to the worms on their farms having developed resistance. This information […]

Checking for Drench Resistance with a DrenchCheck

What is a DrenchCheck? A DrenchCheck provides a simple, fast and low cost indication of possible drench resistance. It is the use of two WormTests—one used before and one after […]

Checking a Mob of Sheep or Goats for Worms With a WormTest

What is a WormTest? A WormTest refers to a ‘Worm Egg Count Test’ or ‘WEC test’; it will identify the number of worm eggs in faeces, which is a good […]

Tests & Tools for Worm Control

Worm control is most effective when a number of strategies (tests and management tools) are used in a planned and integrated manner. ParaBoss provides region-specific programs that integrate these strategies […]

Drenches for Goats: Using Products Correctly and Legally

Anthelmintics are products that kill gastro-intestinal worms. Here we will describe them as drenches, regardless of whether given orally or by injection. The range of products registered with the Australian […]

Online Learning: Australian Smallholders—Goat Worms

This covers the important worms and aspects about them you should know most about. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it […]

Online Learning: Australian Smallholders—Drench Resistance Management

This strategy helps to preserve the effectiveness of your drenches for more years. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in […]

Online Learning: Australian Smallholders—Deciding When to Drench and What Drench to Use

This strategy describes when to use strategic drenches and how to decide when tactical/therapeutic drenches are needed. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply […]

Online Learning: Australian Smallholders—Worm Testing

Aside from drenches at one or two strategic times, the mob’s average worm egg count should be the basis for drenching decisions. Structured reading For those who like to see […]

Online learning: Australian Smallholders —Breeding for Worm Resistance

This strategy helps your flock to withstand the worms that are present. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in order. […]

Online Learning: Australian Smallholders—Grazing Management

Low worm-risk paddocks created by grazing management reduce the pressure from worms at key times, generally resulting in the need for fewer drenches. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: Australian Smallholders—Introduction

The introduction gives a summary of the Annual Worm Control Program and describes the worm control regions and worms encountered here, with consideration of the unique challenges faced by Smallholders. […]

Online Learning: East Coast—Goat Worms

This covers the important worms and aspects about them you should know most about. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it […]

Online Learning: East Coast—Drench Resistance Management

This strategy helps to preserve the effectiveness of your drenches for more years. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in […]

Online Learning: East Coast—Deciding When to Drench and What Drench to Use

This strategy describes when to use strategic drenches and how to decide when tactical/therapeutic drenches are needed. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply […]

Online Learning: East Coast—Worm Testing

Aside from drenches at one or two strategic times, the mob’s average worm egg count should be the basis for drenching decisions. Structured reading For those who like to see […]

Online Learning: East Coast—Breeding for Worm Resistance

This strategy helps your flock to withstand the worms that are present. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in order. […]

Online Learning: East Coast—Grazing Management

Low worm-risk paddocks created by grazing management reduce the pressure from worms at key times, generally resulting in the need for fewer drenches. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: East Coast—Introduction

The introduction gives a summary of the annual control program and describes the worm control regions and worms encountered here. Structured reading For those who like to see all the […]

Online Learning: Rangelands—Goat Worms

This covers the important worms and aspects about them you should know most about. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it […]

Online Learning: Rangelands—Drench Resistance Management

This strategy helps to preserve the effectiveness of your drenches for more years. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in […]

Online Learning: Rangelands—Deciding When to Drench and What Drench to Use

This strategy describes when to use strategic drenches and how to decide when tactical/therapeutic drenches are needed. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply […]

Online Learning: Rangelands—Worm Testing

Aside from drenches at one or two strategic times the mob’s average worm egg count should be the basis for other drenching decisions. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: Rangelands—Breeding for Worm Resistance

This strategy helps your flock to withstand the worms that are present. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in order. […]

Online Learning: Rangelands—Grazing Management

Low worm-risk paddocks created by grazing management reduce the pressure from worms at key times, generally resulting in the need for fewer drenches. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: Rangelands—Introduction

The introduction gives a summary of the annual control program and describes the worm control regions and worms encountered here. Structured reading For those who like to see all the […]

Online Learning: NSW Northeast and QLD Granite Belt—Goat Worms

This covers the important worms and aspects about them you should know most about. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it […]

Online Learning: NSW Northeast and QLD Granite Belt—Drench Resistance Management

This strategy helps to preserve the effectiveness of your drenches for more years. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in […]

Online Learning: NSW Northeast and QLD Granite Belt—Deciding When to Drench and What Drench to Use

This strategy describes when to use strategic drenches and how to decide when tactical/therapeutic drenches are needed. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply […]

Online Learning: NSW Northeast and QLD Granite Belt—Worm Testing

Aside from drenches at one or two strategic times the mob’s average worm egg count should be the basis for other drenching decisions. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: NSW Northeast and QLD Granite Belt—Breeding for Worm Resistance

This strategy helps your flock to withstand the worms that are present. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in order. […]

Online Learning: NSW Northeast and QLD Granite Belt—Grazing Management

Low worm-risk paddocks created by grazing management reduce the pressure from worms at key times, generally resulting in the need for fewer drenches. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: NSW Northeast and QLD Granite Belt—Introduction

The introduction gives a summary of the annual control program and describes the worm control regions and worms encountered here. Structured reading For those who like to see all the […]

Online Learning: Qld Central and South and NSW Northwest—Goat Worms

This covers the important worms and aspects about them you should know most about. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it […]

Online Learning: Qld Central and South and NSW Northwest—Drench Resistance Management

This strategy helps to preserve the effectiveness of your drenches for more years. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in […]

Online Learning: Qld Central and South and NSW Northwest—Deciding When to Drench and What Drench to Use

This strategy describes when to use strategic drenches and how to decide when tactical/therapeutic drenches are needed. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply […]

Online Learning: Qld Central and South and NSW Northwest—Worm Testing

Aside from drenches at one or two strategic times the mob’s average worm egg count should be the basis for other drenching decisions. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: QLD Central and South and NSW Northwest—Breeding for Worm Resistance

This strategy helps your flock to withstand the worms that are present. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in order. […]

Online Learning: Qld Central and South and NSW Northwest—Grazing Management

Low worm-risk paddocks created by grazing management reduce the pressure from worms at key times, generally resulting in the need for fewer drenches. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: Qld Central and South and NSW Northwest—Introduction

The introduction gives a summary of the annual control program and describes the worm control regions and worms encountered here. Structured reading For those who like to see all the […]

Online Learning: NSW Central, Southern and Southwest—Goat Worms

This covers the important worms and aspects about them you should know most about. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it […]

Online Learning: NSW Central, Southern and Southwest—Deciding When to Drench and What Drench to Use

This strategy describes when to use strategic drenches and how to decide when tactical/therapeutic drenches are needed. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply […]

Online Learning: NSW Central, Southern and Southwest—Worm Testing

Aside from drenches at one or two strategic times the mob’s average worm egg count should be the basis for other drenching decisions. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: NSW Central, Southern and Southwest—Breeding for Worm Resistance

This strategy helps your flock to withstand the worms that are present. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in order. […]

Online Learning: NSW Central, Southern and Southwest—Grazing Management

Low worm-risk paddocks created by grazing management reduce the pressure from worms at key times, generally resulting in the need for fewer drenches. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: NSW Central, Southern and Southwest—Introduction

The introduction gives a summary of the annual control program and describes the worm control regions and worms encountered here. Structured reading For those who like to see all the […]

Online Learning: Tasmania—Goat Worms

This covers the important worms and aspects about them you should know most about. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it […]

Online Learning: Tasmania—Drench Resistance Management

This strategy helps to preserve the effectiveness of your drenches for more years. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in […]

Online Learning: Tasmania—Deciding When to Drench and What Drench to Use

This strategy describes when to use strategic drenches and how to decide when tactical/therapeutic drenches are needed. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply […]

Online Learning: Tasmania—Worm Testing

Aside from drenches at one or two strategic times the mob’s average worm egg count should be the basis for other drenching decisions. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: Tasmania—Breeding for Worm Resistance

This strategy helps your flock to withstand the worms that are present. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in order. […]

Online Learning: Tasmania—Grazing Management

Low worm-risk paddocks created by grazing management reduce the pressure from worms at key times, generally resulting in the need for fewer drenches. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: Tasmania—Introduction

The introduction gives a summary of the annual control program and describes the worm control regions and worms encountered here. Structured reading For those who like to see all the […]

Online Learning: Victoria—Goat Worms

This covers the important worms and aspects about them you should know most about. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it […]

Online Learning: Victoria—Drench Resistance Management

This strategy helps to preserve the effectiveness of your drenches for more years. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in […]

Online Learning: Victoria—Deciding When to Drench and What Drench to Use

This strategy describes when to use strategic drenches and how to decide when tactical/therapeutic drenches are needed. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply […]

Online Learning: Victoria—Breeding for Worm Resistance

This strategy helps your flock to withstand the worms that are present. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in order. […]

Online Learning: Victoria—Grazing Management

Low worm-risk paddocks created by grazing management reduce the pressure from worms at key times, generally resulting in the need for fewer drenches. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: South Australia—Goat Worms

This covers the important worms and aspects about them you should know most about. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it […]

Online Learning: South Australia—Deciding When to Drench and What Drench to Use

This strategy describes when to use strategic drenches and how to decide when tactical/therapeutic drenches are needed. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply […]

Online Learning: South Australia—Worm Testing

Aside from drenches at one or two strategic times the mob’s average worm egg count should be the basis for other drenching decisions. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: South Australia—Breeding for Worm Resistance

This strategy helps your flock to withstand the worms that are present. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in order. […]

Online Learning: South Australia—Grazing Management

Low worm-risk paddocks created by grazing management reduce the pressure from worms at key times, generally resulting in the need for fewer drenches. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: South Australia—Introduction

The introduction gives a summary of the annual control program and describes the worm control regions and worms encountered here. Structured reading For those who like to see all the […]

Online Learning: Western Australia—Drench Resistance Management

This strategy helps to preserve the effectiveness of your drenches for more years. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in […]

Online Learning: Western Australia—Deciding when to drench and what drench to use

This strategy describes when to use strategic drenches and how to decide when tactical/therapeutic drenches are needed. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply […]

Online Learning: Western Australian Winter Rainfall—Worm Testing

Aside from drenches at one or two strategic times the mob’s average worm egg count should be the basis for other drenching decisions. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: Western Australia—Grazing Management for Goats

Low worm-risk paddocks created by grazing management reduce the pressure from worms at key times, generally resulting in the need for fewer drenches. Structured reading For those who like to […]

Online Learning: Western Australia—Introduction

The introduction gives a summary of the annual control program and describes the worm control regions and worms encountered here. Structured reading For those who like to see all the […]

WormBoss Online Learning: Western Australia

The following six topics will give you a solid understanding of the management of goat worms for this region. Click on each topic to go to a page that provides […]

Learn About Goat Worm Control in Australia

WormBoss Online Learning is FREE What topics are covered? Learn about the important topics that comprise an effective integrated worm control program. What is the process? Information has been provided […]

WormBoss Worm Control Program for Goats – Western Australia

Program summary The WormBoss worm control program for the Western Australian winter rainfall region has five components that are most effective when used in combination. Note: an Australia Smallholders Program […]

WormBoss Worm Control Program for Goats – Victoria

Program summary The WormBoss worm control program has five components that are most effective when used in combination. A summary of the components is below (see links to the right […]

WormBoss Worm Control Program for Goats – Tasmania

Program summary The WormBoss worm control program has five components that are most effective when used in combination. A summary of the components is below (see the links to the […]

WormBoss Worm Control Program for Goats – Australian Smallholders

Program summary This WormBoss worm control program has been developed for smallholders who do not have the infrastructure to be able to practice grazing management to create low worm-risk paddocks […]

WormBoss Worm Control Program for Goats – South Australia

Program summary The WormBoss worm control program has five components that are most effective when used in combination. A summary of the components is below (click on the links to […]

WormBoss Worm Control Program for Goats – Rangelands

Program summary The WormBoss worm control program for the Rangelands region has five components that are effective when used in combination. Their effectiveness is reduced when not used in an […]

WormBoss Worm Control Program for Goats – QLD Central and South and NSW Northwest

Program summary The WormBoss worm control program has five components that are most effective when used in combination. A summary of the components is below – click on the links […]

WormBoss Worm Control Program for Goats – NSW Northeast and QLD Granite Belt

Program summary The WormBoss worm control program has five components that are most effective when used in combination. A summary of the components is below (see links on the right […]

WormBoss Worm Control Program for Goats – NSW Central, Southern and Southwest

Program summary The WormBoss worm control program for the non-seasonal rainfall region has five components that are effective when used in combination. Their effectiveness is reduced when not used in […]

WormBoss Worm Control Program for Goats – East Coast

Program summary The WormBoss worm control program for the East Coast areas of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria has five components that are most effective when used in combination. […]

Eperythrozoon

Eperythrozoonosis (ep-pur-rith-ro-zo-on-osis) is the disease produced by the bacterium Mycoplasma ovis, formerly known as Eperythrozoon ovis. M. ovis inhabits and destroys red blood cells of sheep and goats leading to anaemia, jaundice, and in heavy […]

Itch Mite in Sheep and Goats

The itch mite lives on the skin of sheep and goats, causing intense irritation. Sheep or goats rub and scratch, sometimes causing severe fleece and fibre damage. Itch mite is […]

Sarcocystis

Sheep and goats are the intermediate hosts for a range of different types of Sarcocystis, a protozoan organism with cats as the final host. Other parasites exist which have a […]

Toxoplasma

Sheep, goats and all vertebrates (including humans) are intermediate hosts of Toxoplasma; cats are the final host. It is mostly found in cooler climates. Sheep and goats are infected by […]

Nasal Bot

The sheep nasal botfly, Oestrus ovis, is a widespread parasite of sheep and may also infect goats, but it is more of a nuisance than a cause of serious disease. […]

Protozoa

Coccidia (Eimeria species), Cryptosporidium and Giardia Coccidia Coccidia are a type of microscopic parasites known as protozoa. The main coccidia that trouble sheep and goats are the Eimeria species, causing […]

Other Occasional Parasites of Sheep and Goats

Sheep and goats also suffer from parasites other than worms. Fortunately, none of these commonly causes disease, however, they may do so when sheep or goats are held at high […]

Bladder Worm in Sheep and Goats

This parasite has two names, because the cyst stage was named before it was known to be a stage of the life cycle of Taenia hydatigena. The life cycle has […]

Sheep Measles

Sheep measles (Cysticercus ovis) cause condemnation of carcases or parts of carcases at abattoirs, but they rarely cause ill-effects in the sheep or goats. Small white cysts appear in certain […]

Hydatid Tapeworm

The hydatid tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus) is a very important parasite as humans can become infected, with serious illness possible. However, humans do not become infected from contact with sheep or […]

Intestinal Tapeworm in Sheep and Goats

While sheep tapeworms are large and the segments passed in the dung are very obvious, there is no consistent evidence that they cause production loss or ill-health. Therefore, treatment for […]

Tapeworms of Sheep and Goats

Tapeworms of sheep and goats in Australia can be divided into 2 broad groups: Adult tapeworms that live in the small intestine: Moniezia expansa, the most common tapeworm of sheep […]

Other Nematode Parasites of Sheep and Goats

Ascaris (large roundworm) is not a normal parasite of sheep and goats. It normally infects pigs but may opportunistically infect sheep or goats in mixed grazing enterprises. Gongylonema (gullet worm) […]

Lungworm in Sheep and Goats

There are three species of lungworm that occur in sheep or goats in Australia. They are the large lungworm, Dictyocaulus filaria, and the small lungworms, Muellerius capillaris and Protostrongylus rufescens. […]

Stomach Hair Worm of Sheep and Goats

Stomach hair worm (T. axei) occurs commonly in sheep, goats and other ruminants, often in association with the brown stomach worm (Teladorsagia) but appears to be relatively harmless. This worm […]

Large-Mouthed Bowel Worm in Sheep and Goats

Large-mouthed bowel worm is a large (20 mm) stout white worm. It is found in cool climate areas of southern Australia. The adult female lays around 5000 eggs per day. […]

Whip worm of Sheep and Goats

These are white worms 30–60 mm long found in the blind gut (caecum) of the sheep and goats. The anterior part of their body is long and slender, while the […]

Nodule worm and Large Bowel Worm in Sheep and Goats

Two species of Oesophagostomum occur in Australia:  Image: Section of intestine showing nodule worms (Source: Maxine Lyndal-Murphy, Qld Dept of Agriculture and Fisheries) Modern broad-spectrum drenches tend to keep these worms at […]

Threadworm of Sheep and Goats

This parasite is rarely a problem, although it is often seen in sheep and goats pastured in south western and tropical coastal Queensland. Threadworm infects the small intestine of sheep, […]

Hookworm in Sheep and Goats

This parasite is rarely a problem. The hookworm of sheep or goats infects the small intestine. The pre-patent period (the time from infection to appearance of eggs in the dung) […]

Small Intestinal Worms of Sheep and Goats

Small intestinal worm is mostly found in the cooler parts of Australia. It is 10–15mm long and is found coiled close along the wall of the small intestine. It is […]

Thin-necked Intestinal Worm of Sheep and Goats

Thin-necked intestinal worm occurs in most of the major sheep and goat production areas of Australia, but is mostly an issue in the winter rainfall districts. It is very resilient […]

Brown Stomach Worm

These worms used to be called ‘Osties’ or ‘Osters’, short for Ostertagia. However, the worm was reclassified in the early 1990s, with the genus name changing from Ostertagia to Teladorsagia. […]

Black Scour Worms – Goats and Sheep

Black scour worms occur in all sheep and goat production districts of Australia. Trichostrongylus colubriformis and T. vitrinus are the main species that cause disease. T. rugatus is more commonly seen in arid regions while T. axei is […]

Barber’s Pole Worm in Sheep and Goats

Barber’s pole worm is most commonly found in Queensland and the northern half of NSW where summer rainfall is common or dominant. This worm is less of a problem in […]

Signs of Worms in Sheep and Goats

All of the signs below can be associated with diseases other than from worms. If animals with any of the signs below are treated with a known effective drench and […]

Worms on Pasture: Sheep and Goats

Factors contributing to paddock contamination with worms The following table applies to: Factor Time or conditions Effect Minimum time before worm eggs can become infective larvae. 4–10 days Short graze […]

Roundworm Life Cycle

Most roundworms of sheep and goats share this basic roundworm life cycle. Dung stage Worm eggs that have passed from the sheep in dung hatch and develop through first (L1) […]

The Cost of Roundworms

Roundworms cost the sheep and wool industry more than $430 million dollars per year (Lane et al. 2015); up from the $350 million dollars estimated by Sackett et al (2006). […]

Roundworms of Sheep and Goats

Roundworms (nematodes) are the most important group of internal parasites affecting sheep and goats in Australia. The most important roundworms in sheep and goats in Australia are: Other roundworms found […]

Stomach Flukes of Sheep and Goats

Stomach flukes (Calicophoron calicophorum and Paramphistomum ichikawai) rarely cause disease in sheep or goats, but do affect yearling cattle when very heavy burdens are present e.g. coastal northern NSW. Stomach […]

Liver Fluke in Sheep and Goats

Introduction Liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) is a parasite affecting a range of livestock and other species. Final hosts in which it can develop to sexual maturity include livestock such as […]

Flukes of Sheep and Goats

There are 2 groups of fluke which can affect sheep and goats:

Dairy Cattle and House Cows

There are a limited number of cattle parasite control products that can be used for treating cattle which are producing (or may produce in future) milk for human consumption. This […]

Residues and Withholding Periods

Withholding periods are mandatory with all registered veterinary products used to treat animals for internal and external parasites. These limits are set in Australia to ensure that meat and milk […]

Dung beetles in Cattle

Dung beetles have significant beneficial effects in cattle pastures. By breaking down and burying dung pats they clear the pasture of dung accumulation, return nutrients to the plant root zone […]

Environmental Contamination

Some chemicals can be particularly toxic to aquatic organisms, wildlife and some important ecological insects such as dung beetles when used without reading the manufacturers label. Do not allow chemicals […]

Occupational Health and Safety

General information Understanding the health risks and legal requirements associated with the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals can avoid serious consequences. Always first refer to the label (indications) and […]

Manage Drench Resistance

Drench resistance is an inevitable consequence of using drenches in an unsustainable way. Parasite resistance to drenches develops slowly on some farms and rapidly on others, depending on drench usage […]

Treatment Failure

Treatment failure should be distinguished from drench resistance, which is a feature of the worms themselves. Treatment failure occurs when a drench treatment has failed to control worms due to […]

Refugia

‘Refugia’ refers to the part of a worm population that have not been exposed to drenching when other animals are treated (in refuge from the drench). The population of worms […]

Causes of Drench Resistance

Resistance genes are naturally present in every worm population, although at very low levels. When the proportion of worms with resistant genes in a worm population increase to such a […]

What is Drench Resistance?

Anthelmintic resistance is a genetic change (mutation) in individual worms within a parasite population that allows resistant worms to survive treatment. Because it is genetically based, resistance to the same […]

Drench Resistance

Resistance has been detected in both roundworm and fluke populations and is suspected to be common and widespread across Australia. Resistant worms survive drenching and continue to produce eggs, so […]

Consider Other Parasites When Treating

Many worm control products also have activity against other parasites for which the treatment is not primarily intended. Most notably, products containing macrocyclic lactone compounds affect both internal and external parasites. Use […]

Oral Drench for Cattle

Oral drenches administer a set volume of chemical to the mouth/throat of cattle. This can be done with either a drench gun or a drench hook. Before drenching, check that […]

Injection

Subcutaneous Resistance A parasite population can develop resistance to a chemical through: What is resistance? Pros Cons Safety Everyone working in the rural industry has a ‘duty of care’; a […]

Pour-on for Cattle

Resistance A parasite population can develop resistance to drenches through: Pour-on applications can be especially susceptible to under-dosing (compared to drenches or injections). For this route in particular, the dose […]

Application Methods for Cattle

There are a variety of application methods for administering chemical products to cattle. Each product is formulated to ensure that the application method will transfer the chemical to a location […]

Choosing and Using Products

Choosing a Product Choice of product for treatment of cattle worms requires consideration of the below five factors (click to expand each section): Using drenches

Amino-Acetonitrile Derivatives (AADs or ‘orange’)

What do they treat? √ Roundworm How can they be administered? A variety of application methods for administering pesticide products to cattle are in use. √ Oral Resistance Monepantel resistance […]

Nitroxynil

What does it treat? √ Liver fluke √ Roundworm Note: √ Nitroxynil is highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates How can it be administered? A variety of application methods […]

Salicylanilides (SC)

What do they treat? √ Liver fluke Note:  √ Toxic to many aquatic organisms. How can they be administered? A variety of application methods for administering pesticide products to cattle are […]

Sulfonamide (SF Clorsulon)

What does it treat? √ Liver fluke How can they be administered? A variety of application methods for administering pesticide products to cattle are in use. √ Injectable Resistance Resistance […]

Chemical Mixtures and Combinations

Multi-active products contain more than one parasitic chemical active responsible for killing parasites. The active ingredients within a multi-active product may target the same, or different parasites. Multi-active products can […]

Imidazothiazole (levamisole or ‘clear’)

What do they treat? √ Roundworm Note: Levamisole is dangerous to fish. Do not contaminate streams, rivers or waterways with the product or with used containers. How is it administered? […]

Benzimidazoles (BZ or ‘white’)

What do they treat? √ Roundworm √ Tapeworm √ Liver fluke How can they be administered? A variety of application methods for administering pesticide products to cattle are in use. […]

Macrocyclic Lactones (MLs)

What do they treat? √ Roundworm   √ Flies   √ Ticks   √ Lice   √ Mites Warning: When using MLs to target a particular parasite, be aware that they will also treat any other of the […]

Chemical Groups and Actives

Cattle parasite treatments Cattle parasite control requires the use of treatment products for both internal (endo-) and external (ecto-) parasites as part of an integrated parasite management (IPM) program. Products […]

Treatment Schemes

Treatment of the entire mob, which exposes the entire worm population on a property, is not recommended as it will ultimately lead to widespread drench resistance through the loss of […]

Quarantine Drenching for Cattle

Quarantine all cattle that are new to the property (including those returning from agistment), as many will carry resistant worms. Treating new cattle on arrival with a quarantine drench is […]

Use Different Actives for Internal and External Parasites

Some active ingredients, particularly the macrocyclic lactone (ML) class of chemicals, can be used for treating external parasites, e.g. lice, ticks, buffalo flies or mange, as well as internal parasites. However, case […]

Management of Long-Acting Drenches

Long-acting drenches should be used as part of a planned strategy to get the best potential control benefits, while avoiding an increase in resistance by parasites. Discussing this with an […]

Short Versus long-Acting Drenches

The majority of drench products (however applied) are considered as ‘short-acting’, as they are active within the animal for a relatively short period. This may be only a few hours […]

Efficacy of Different Application Methods

The ‘efficacy’ of a drench refers to its capacity to kill worms. Different application methods  (formulations) of the same active ingredient can have different impacts. In a trial conducted in New […]

Combination Drenches

Combination products contain two or more active ingredients (from different chemical groups) that both target the same parasite. They offer more than one way to kill the parasite. They have […]

Using the Appropriate Drench

‘Efficacy’ refers to the capacity of a drench to kill worms. As drench resistance develops, drench efficacy is reduced. It is important to know which worm species are present, and […]

Drench Only When Necessary

A ‘drench’ refers to any anthelmintic (anti-worm) product, whether it is given by the pour-on, oral or injectable route. If worms are present and treatment is needed, the Annual Program for […]

Which Worms are Present?

It is important to know which worm species are present because different species affect the growth and health of cattle to different degrees. In winter rainfall regions especially, the small brown […]

Monitoring WECs of Cattle

Faecal worm egg counts (WECs) are used to assess the roundworm burden in livestock. They vary according to the number and type of worms present, the age of the cattle, […]

Observations of Physical Signs of Worms in Cattle

Determining which worm species are present and faecal worm egg counts (WECs) is important, but must be balanced against other factors that affect the productivity and health of the cattle. […]

Plan an Annual Control Strategy for Cattle

Blanket treatment of the whole herd is rarely necessary. Exposing the entire worm population on a property to drench treatment at the same time will ultimately lead to widespread drench […]

Which Animals are Susceptible to Worms?

Summary: Young stock (up to 18 months), cattle under nutritional stress or metabolic stress due to pregnancy or lactation, and bulls are generally more susceptible to internal parasites. High stocking […]

Breeding Cattle for Worm Resistance

While not at present a practical strategy, research indicates that there may be the potential to utilise the variation in natural worm resistance between individual cattle to assist in the […]

Pasture Management to Control Cattle Worms

Although a drench may remove a worm burden, the pasture will remain ‘wormy’ (carry worm larvae) for some time, and unless the cattle are moved, they are likely to pick […]

Non-Chemical Worm Control Methods

Avoiding the reliance of drenching for worm control can provide more efficient worm control, and reduce the rate of development of resistance by worms to drenches. Non-chemical worm control methods […]

Calculating the Economic Benefit of Treatment

Cattle are raised for profit, so any added rearing costs equate to loss. Parasites have a negative effect on the cattle economy as they impact the health and productivity of […]

Tests for Drench Resistance

As resistance to drenches by worms of cattle becomes more common, it is increasingly important to know the efficacy (effectiveness against worms) of different drenches on a property. All current […]

Blood/ Milk Tests

For some parasite species, an alternative to counting worm eggs is to test a blood or milk sample. These tests are based on the detection of antibodies (proteins in the […]

DNA Tests to Identify Worm Species

DNA tests can be used as an alternative to larval cultures to identify the different species of roundworm eggs in cattle faeces. The different worm species, and their relative proportions, […]

Larval Cultures

It is important to know which types of worms are present in worm egg count reduction tests, as different worms typically show different resistance levels to drenches and this will […]

Worm Egg Counts for Cattle

The number of worm eggs passed in the faeces (faecal worm egg count, or WEC) is the most common way to assess roundworm burden in the gastrointestinal tract of livestock […]

Monitor Worm Control Effectiveness

The effectiveness of worm control programs should be monitored to ensure that worm burdens do not reach significant levels. Changes in seasonal conditions, or to cattle management, can allow larger […]

Strategic Treatments

Effective worm control may sometimes require pre-emptive (‘strategic’) treatments to prevent the contamination of pasture with worm eggs in the dung, ahead of times of the year when worm populations […]

Worms on Pasture: Cattle

The survival of the third stage (L3) infective stages of roundworms on pastures determines the level of exposure cattle may receive. Temperature and moisture conditions have the greatest impact on […]

Tritrichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a contagious venereal disease of cattle caused by the flagellated protozoan organism Tritrichomonas foetus which can lead to infertility through early embryonic death and abortion. Disease due to […]

Tick Fever

Tick fever is caused by infection with Babesia and Anaplasma organisms transmitted by the cattle ticks Rhipicephalus australis (formerly known as Boophilus microplus). All cattle in tick infested areas are at risk of developing […]

Theileriosis

The protozoan parasite Theileria orientalis can cause theileriosis (bovine anaemia) in cattle and is transmitted by bush ticks, which feed on cattle and inject the parasite into their bloodstream. Parasites enter red blood […]

Sarcocystosis

Sarcocystis species are one of the most commonly found tissue cyst-forming coccidians of cattle in Australia. The thin-walled sarcocysts (‘sarx’ means flesh) are located in the muscles of cattle, and […]

Neosporosis

Neospora caninum is a microscopic, unicellular coccidian protozoan and a major infectious cause of weak calves, abortions and still-births in cattle around the world. It also produces disease in dogs, […]

Crypto or Milky Scours

Milky scours in calves is caused by unicellular (single celled) protozoan parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium. One species that is commonly responsible is C. parvum. Figure 1. Immunofluorescence image of […]

Coccidiosis in Cattle

Coccidiosis (sometimes called black scours) is caused by single-celled protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria. The most important coccidians of cattle from a clinical perspective are E. zuernii and E. bovis. Figure 1. The faeces of […]

Other Internal Parasites of Cattle

Cattle also suffer from the effects of parasites other than worms, such as the protozoa (single celled parasites). These are often a cause of disease particularly when young stock are […]

Bladder Worm in Cattle

This parasite has two names: the cyst stage, Cysticercus tenuicollis was named before it was known to be connected to the life cycle of the false hydatid tapeworm of dogs, Taenia hydatigena. Bladder worm does not […]

Beef Measles

This parasite has two names: the cyst stage, Cysticercus bovis was named before it was known to be connected to the life cycle of the beef tapeworm of man, Taenia saginata. Beef measles are […]

Hydatid Cysts

Hydatids cysts are fluid filled sacs in the liver and lungs but also the brain and other tissues of predominantly sheep but also cattle. Pigs, other wildlife such marsupials, and […]

Intestinal Tapeworm in Cattle

Moniezia benedeni is a common tapeworm of cattle pastured in coastal and subcoastal regions of Australia. Cattle up to 18 months of age can be infected, but infection is more prevalent […]

Tapeworms

Tapeworms of cattle in Australia can be divided into 2 broad groups: Adult tapeworms in cattle: Larval cysts of tapeworms in cattle: Three larval tapeworms develop in cattle, their adult […]

Stomach Flukes of Cattle

Stomach fluke, Calicophoron calicophorum is the most commonly found stomach fluke in cattle. Other related species in the Paramphistome family that are known to infect cattle include Orthocoelium (Ceylonocotyle) streptocoelium […]

Liver Fluke in Cattle

Liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) is a parasite affecting a range of livestock, and often goes undiagnosed because infected animals show no obvious signs or symptoms while having a hidden impact […]

Other Roundworms of Cattle

Large ascarid roundworm Toxocara vitulorum is an uncommon parasite of cattle but has been recorded in calves 1 to 3 months of age in eastern Australia. Older animals are resistant to […]

Onchocercosis

Bovine onchocercosis is an infection with the roundworm Onchocerca. At least three species infect cattle in Australia: O. gibsoni, O. gutturosa and O. lienalis. Onchocerca gibsoni has the greatest economic […]

Eye Worm in Cattle

Thelazia species (T. gulosa and T. skrjabini) are slender white roundworms, 7-19 mm in length and parasitic in the conjunctival (the pink membrane lining the eyelid) and lachrymal (tear) sacs of domestic animals. […]

Whipworm of Cattle

The main species present in Australia is Trichuris discolour, with T. ovis and T. globulosa being uncommon.  Whipworms are white, 40–80 mm long and inhabit the blind gut (caecum) of cattle, sheep and goats. The adult body is whip-like with an […]

Threadworm of Cattle

Strongyloides papillosus occurs in the small intestine of cattle, sheep, goats and other ruminants all over the world. Threadworms of a different species occur in other animals and man. Each species […]

Large-Mouthed Bowel Worm in Cattle

Chabertia ovina is a large (up to 20 mm) stout white worm and so named because of its large bell-shaped buccal (mouth) capsule that is bent ventrally. It is found […]

Nodule Worm and Large Bowel Worm in Cattle

Oesophagostomum radiatum is found throughout Australia, but especially prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical areas, usually in mixed infections with barber’s pole worm (Haemonchus placei) and small intestinal worms (Cooperia species). […]

Hookworm in Cattle

This parasite is mostly a problem in dairy calves, 4-12 months of age and reared in the summer rainfall regions of coastal and subcoastal Australia. Disease occurs where heavy overstocking […]

Lungworm in Cattle

Dictyocaulus viviparus are long (40-80 mm), white worms that live in the air passages of the lungs of cattle. Figure 1. Adult lungworms, Dictyocaulus viviparus. Image courtesy of A.R. Walker Wikimedia Commons […]

Thin-necked Intestinal Worm of Cattle

Thin-necked intestinal worm (Nematodirus helvetianus) is often found in dairy calves in temperate winter rainfall regions. It occurs in low numbers and usually in mixed infestations with much larger numbers […]

Black Scour Worm – Cattle

Intestinal black scour worms Trichostrongylus colubriformis are not often seen in cattle. Sheep strains of this parasite are readily transferable to calves but the infections do not persist, suggesting that […]

Stomach Hair Worm of Cattle

Trichostrongylus axei is a common parasite in the abomasum (fourth stomach) of cattle, sheep, goats, and deer, and also in the stomach of the horse and man. Stomach hair worm is […]

Small Intestinal Worms of Cattle

Cooperia punctata, C. pectinata and C. oncophora are the most commonly found small intestinal worms of cattle of all ages. They are small worms 5-9 mm long, and very hard […]

Small Brown Stomach Worm

(Ostertagia ostertagi) Small brown stomach worm is a major production-limiting parasite of young and young adult cattle in the temperate, winter rainfall and non-seasonal rainfall districts of Australia. The impact of […]

Barber’s Pole Worm in Cattle

(Haemonchus placei, H. contortus) Haemonchus placei is an extremely pathogenic parasite of cattle in summer rainfall and tropical regions of Australia, although clinical disease is rarely a problem in winter rainfall areas. […]

Roundworms of Cattle

Roundworms (nematodes) are the most important group of internal parasites affecting cattle in Australia and can significantly impact production efficiency. Roundworms have a direct life cycle, but most require a […]

Signs of Worms in Cattle

The signs shown below can also be associated with diseases other than worm infections. If animals showing any of the signs below do not improve within 5-7 days after treatment […]

Fluke Life Cycle

Most flukes of cattle follow this basic indirect life cycle that involves an intermediate freshwater snail host either a lymnaeid snail (liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica) or a planorbid snail (stomach […]

Larval Tapeworm Life Cycle: Hydatids, Beef Measles and Bladder Worm (predator-prey)

These are indirect life cycles with cattle as intermediate (prey) hosts in which the larval tapeworms develop, and the final host is a predator such as a dog for hydatid […]

Cattle Tapeworm Life Cycle: Adult Worms in Cattle (herbivorous)

Cattle tapeworms (e.g. intestinal tapeworm, Moniezia benedeni) follow this basic indirect life cycle that involves a grass mite as the intermediate host and cattle as the final host. Dung stage […]

Roundworm: Lungworm Life Cycle

The lungworm (Dictyocaulus viviparus) of cattle follows a direct life cycle that also involves a migratory phase to the lungs from the gut. Dung stage First-stage (L1) larvae, not eggs, […]

Roundworm: Gastro-Intestinal Nematode Life Cycle

Most roundworms that live in the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract of cattle share this basic direct life cycle, e.g.: Dung stage Dung containing worm eggs is passed onto pasture. Pasture stage: […]

Worm Life Cycles and Life Stages

The worm life cycle describes the developmental changes worms undergo to produce the next generation of worms and to spread infection to new hosts, or re-infect the same hosts. Adult […]

Cost of Worms in Cattle

Worms can significantly affect farm profitability and animal welfare outcomes for cattle, particularly young cattle raised in the higher rainfall zones. In 2015 the cost of internal parasites to the […]

Types of Worms

Infections with worms and other internal parasites of cattle namely, the protozoans, are significant constraints to cattle production in Australia. Internal parasites were estimated in 2015 to cost the Australian […]

About Cattle Worms

Worms are parasites that live in, or sometimes on, a host animal at the expense of the host. They can occur in the gut or other internal organs, or in […]

Smart Grazing to Control Scour Worms in Weaner Sheep – NSW

Introduction Smart grazing is an improved, yet simple and reliable strategy for the control of worms in weaner sheep during their first winter. It can counter the negative effects of […]

Introduction

What worm control regions are in Tasmania? The high rainfall (prime-lamb) region This region includes King Island, the North Coast between Wynyard and Launceston. These are the high winter rainfall […]

Introduction

Where is the Victoria region? This region generally has winter-dominant rainfall, mostly greater than 500 mm. The area covers most of Victoria except for (a) the drier north-western area (Mallee […]

Introduction

Where is the South Australia region? In South Australia, there are three zones within the winter rainfall region. Information for these 3 zones is in this publication. In addition, there […]

Introduction

Where is the Western Australia region? In Western Australia, there are two main ‘worm control’ zones within the winter rainfall region. Both have a typical Mediterranean-type climate, defined by hot, […]

Grazing management

Sheep and goats carry the same worms. When grazed together, goats carry heavier worm burdens than do sheep, especially in the absence of browse. It is best to not run […]

Introduction

Where is the NSW central, southern and southwest region? This region generally has non-seasonal or uniform rainfall (350–850 mm) extending to winter dominant rainfall areas within the eastern Riverina. Some […]

Grazing Management for Tasmania

Sheep and goats carry the same worms. When grazed together, goats carry heavier worm burdens than do sheep, especially in the absence of browse. Sheep and goats should only be […]

Grazing management – Victoria

Sheep and goats carry the same worms. When grazed together, goats carry heavier worm burdens than do sheep, especially in the absence of browse. It is best to not run […]

Grazing management

Sheep and goats carry the same worms. When grazed together goats carry heavier worm burdens than do sheep, especially in the absence of browse. It is best to not run […]

When to Drench and When to WormTest for Goats – NSW Central, Southern and Southwest

Why check worm burdens in goats? Checking worm burdens with a WormTest is essential for correct and timely drenching decisions and to confirm that your worm control program is on track. […]

When to Drench and When to WormTest for Goats – Tasmania

Why check worm burdens in goats? Checking worm burdens with a WormTest is essential for correct and timely drenching decisions and to confirm that your worm control program is on track. […]

Managing Drench Resistance in Goats – Victoria

Why manage drench resistance? Never assume that a drench treatment will completely kill worms in your goats. Drench resistance is a result of worms having genes that enable them to […]

When to Drench and When to WormTest for Goats – Victoria

Why check worm burdens in goats? Checking worm burdens with a WormTest is essential for correct and timely drenching decisions and to confirm that your worm control program is on track. […]

When to Drench and When to WormTest for Goats – South Australia

Why check worm burdens in goats? Checking worm burdens with a WormTest is essential for correct and timely drenching decisions and to confirm that your worm control program is on track. […]

When to Drench and When to WormTest for Goats – Western Australia

Why check worm burdens in goats? Checking worm burdens with a WormTest is essential for correct and timely drenching decisions and to confirm that your worm control program is on track. […]

Managing Drench Resistance in Goats – NSW Central, Southern and Southwest

Why manage drench resistance? Never assume that a drench treatment will completely kill worms in your goats. Drench resistance is a result of worms having genes that enable them to […]

Appendices – Tasmania

Click on the headings below to access the following appendices: Return to Summary page

Managing Drench Resistance in Goats – Tasmania

Why manage drench resistance? Never assume that a drench treatment will completely kill worms in your goats. Drench resistance is a result of worms having genes that enable them to […]

Appendices – Victoria

Click on the headings below to access the following: Return to Summary page

Managing Drench Resistance in Goats – South Australia

Why manage drench resistance? Never assume that a drench treatment will completely kill worms in your goats. Drench resistance is a result of worms having genes that enable them to […]

Managing Drench Resistance in Goats – Western Australia

Why manage drench resistance? Never assume that a drench treatment will completely kill worms in your goats. Drench resistance is a result of worms having genes that enable them to […]

Appendices

Click on the headings below to access the appendices: Return to Summary page

Liver Fluke Control

Liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) only occurs where the intermediate host – freshwater snails – are present:   These snails are found where there are slow-moving creeks, swamps, springs or shallow […]

Roundworm lifecycle and larval availability

The life cycle of goat roundworms The availability of infective larvae of the winter scour worms on pasture, showing a peak around June–August (depending upon the timing of the autumn […]

Roundworm Life Cycle and Larval Availability – South Australia

The life cycle of goat roundworms The goat roundworm life cycle (source: Sheep CRC) Roundworm larval availability on pasture Source: Modeled from death rate of the L3 population in ‘Simulation […]

Roundworm life cycle and larval survival

The life cycle of goat roundworms Return to Summary page

Roundworm Life Cycle and Larval Availability – Tasmania

The life cycle of goat roundworms   The availability of infective larvae of the winter scour worms on pasture, showing a peak around June–August (depending upon the timing of the […]

Smart Grazing to Control Scour Worms in Goats – Victoria

Smart grazing to control scour worms in weaner sheep NOTE: The research that led to the development of Smart Grazing was conducted with sheep. The basic principles underlying its benefit for […]

Roundworm Life Cycle and Larval Availability – Western Australia

The life cycle of goat roundworms Roundworm life cycle and larvae availability on pasture The availability of infective larvae of the winter scour worms on pasture The peak availability is […]

Smart Grazing to Control Scour Worms in Weaner Sheep – Tasmania

Smart grazing to control scour worms in weaner sheep NOTE: The research that led to the development of Smart Grazing was conducted with sheep. The basic principles underlying its benefit for […]

Flystrike Risk Simulator (Downloadable)

This is a comprehensive program that allows you to compare two different management systems. It will need to be downloaded with local flystrike data risk files from within 5 kms […]

Testing Flies for Resistance to Flystrike Preventative and Treatment Chemicals

Do you expect to have fly struck sheep this coming season? If so, NSW DPI, in collaboration with AWI, are seeking your involvement in an important research project to investigate […]

Chemical-Use Strategies to Slow the Development of Resistance to Flystrike Preventative Chemicals by Flies

Flies are increasingly becoming resistant to flystrike prevention and treatment chemicals, but there are ways to use products wisely to slow development of resistance in your local fly population. However, […]

Managing Chemical Resistance

Lucilia cuprina, the Australian sheep blowfly, initiates most cases of flystrike on Australian sheep. Like all insect pests, it has the potential to develop resistance to chemical treatments. Resistance is the […]

Insecticide Resistance

The development of insecticide resistance allows individual insects to survive an exposure to insecticide that would kill individuals from a ‘normal’ population. The sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina has developed resistance […]

Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) for Sheep and Goats

Safety tips for applying and handling chemicals Beforehand: Always store chemicals in the original containers and make sure the label is intact. Regularly assess containers to ensure no leakage or […]

Treatment of Struck Sheep

The recommended way to treat flystruck sheep: 1. Shear struck wool and a 5 cm barrier of clean wool around the strike close to the skin to remove maggots. Unless […]

Early Season Flystrike Prevention

Early season flystrike prevention is an underutilised strategy that can decrease both the incidence and the overall cost of flystrike, as well as improve sheep welfare. It may also use […]

Choosing the Right Time to Apply Preventative Flystrike Treatments

In the first instance, the need to treat sheep with preventative flystrike chemical products can be greatly reduced or removed by choosing the most suitable times to shear and crutch sheep, implementing worm […]

Dipping

Using a dip to apply flystrike treatments is generally not advisable, whether for prevention or treatment of strike. Cyromazine—the only flystrike chemical registered for use in dips—is suited to prevention […]

Spray-ons for Sheep

There are a range of spray-on products that can be used to protect sheep during periods of high flystrike risk. The table below indicates the advantages and disadvantages of using […]

Automatic Jetting Races

The information below is based extensively on the reports prepared by the late Mr Roger Lund and Mr Peter Kelly, formerly of the NSW Department of Primary Industries Agricultural Engineering […]

Hand Jetting

When the decision has been made that sheep must be treated with insecticide to prevent or control flystrike or louse infestations, woolgrowers must also decide which product to use and […]

Choosing the Right Application Method for Sheep

The most common application methods are hand jetting, automatic jetting races, spray ons and plunge or shower dipping. Dipping should only be regarded as an emergency flystrike treatment. The advantages […]

Jetting

Jetting is a useful tool for applying chemicals to protect sheep during periods of high flystrike risk. It can be done by hand jetting or by using an automatic jetting […]

Ivermectin

Sheep producers will be familiar with drench products containing ivermectin, but there are also ivermectin-based products registered for the control of sheep blowfly and lice. Ivermectin belongs to the macrocyclic […]

Insect Growth Regulators

One attraction of insect growth regulator insecticides (IGRs) is their selective toxicity. IGRs interfere with biochemical pathways that are not present in humans or other mammals. This makes them relatively […]

Organophosphate Insecticides

Organophosphate (OP) pesticides were introduced to the wool industry in the 1950s. One of the disadvantages of OPs is their non-selectivity i.e. OPs affect both insects and mammals. Being old […]

Withholding Periods for Worm, Lice and Fly Treatments for Sheep

Withholding periods are mandatory with all registered veterinary products used to treat sheep for worms, flies or lice. These periods have been developed to indicate when the chemical residue that […]

Choosing the Right Chemical for Sheep

Chemicals can be used strategically to reduce the risk of flystrike. The table below summarises the different classes of chemicals that are available for both preventing and treating flystrike. In […]

Treatment – Sheep

The sheep industry has access to a range of insecticides for prevention and treatment of flystrike. These chemicals are important tools in managing flystrike risk and can be used strategically […]

WoolRes Tool

To estimate the pesticide residue levels cause by lice or flystrike treatments.  Click on WoolRes to start the tool. WoolRes Tool User Guide Select WoolRes to assess the chemical residues in the wool clip based […]

Flystrike Quick Tools (Online)

These are two separate tools that can be quickly used online, but do not include options to select for breeding. Location data is from a nearby weather station and is […]

Flystrike Tools

The Flystrike tools can assist you in developing a Flystrike Calendar that is suitable for your location and your enterprise using historic long-term weather data for your location. FlyBoss Flystrike Risk Simulator (Downloadable) […]

Breech Cover Scoring and Selection

The importance of a bare breech in breech strike was investigated and it was found that it was less important than dags and skin wrinkles. However it does play an […]

Dag Scoring and Selection

The best time to assess dag score in a winter rainfall region is in the spring time prior to hogget shearing when at least 20% of the flock have an […]

Breech Wrinkle Scoring and Selection

There are three major factors contributing to the risk of breech strike. Wrinkle in the breech – increasing the risk of urine and faecal staining as well as providing a […]

Fleece Rot Scoring and Selection

There are a range of factors determining a sheep’s susceptibility to body strike. The main predisposing factors are fleece rot and lumpy wool (dermo), which attract the flies and provide […]

Australian Sheep Breeding Values

Sheep Genetics is the national genetic information and evaluation service for the meat and wool sectors of the sheep industry delivered as LAMBPLAN and MERINOSELECT. The purpose of Sheep Genetics […]

Visual Sheep Scores

The key to managing flystrike is to reduce the susceptibility of the flock. To download the latest version of the Visual Scores Guide click here to be redirected to the […]

Breeding to Reduce Flystrike Susceptibility

It is possible to select and breed your flock for increased flystrike resistance by focussing on the traits that increase the risk of breech strike (wrinkle, dag and breech cover) and […]

Breeding and Selection of Sheep to Lower Flystrike Risk

The goal for all sheep producers is to reduce the impact of flystrike on flock welfare and productivity. For producers who have decided to phase out mulesing, the goal is […]

Learn About Sheep Flystrike Control in Australia

FlyBoss Online Learning is FREE It suits anyone wanting a practical knowledge of sheep flystrike control in Australia. You can learn at your own pace; start and stop anytime. You […]

Online Learning – Resistance Management

This section describes chemical use strategies to slow the development of chemical resistance in flies. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through […]

Online Learning – FlyBoss Tools

This section covers the FlyBoss Tools. These are interactive online tools that assist you to when making various flystrike management decisions. Structured reading For those who like to see all […]

Online Learning – Treatment

This section describes chemical options, application methods and safety when applying preventative or treatment products for flystrike. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply […]

Online Learning – Management

This section deals with the management options for controlling flystrike, except for treatment and the use of the FlyBoss Tools, which are in separate sections. Structured reading For those who […]

Online Learning – Breeding and Selection

This section describes the processes for implementing a breeding and selection program that reduces the susceptibility of sheep to flystrike. Structured reading For those who like to see all the […]

Online Learning – Susceptibility

This section describes flies, where they strike and under what conditions. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read through it in order. Each […]

National Flystrike and Cold Risk Maps

These maps show the Ag360™ predictions for flystrike and extreme weather risk across Australia for the next 5 days. You can gain tailored risk data for your farm through Ag360. […]

National Wool Declaration

The wool supply chain is seeking information on the mulesing status of wool so that customer needs, in terms of product specification can be met. The National Wool Declaration was […]

Making the Transition to a Ceased-Mulesing Flock

Is your flock currently mulesed and you are considering stopping mulesing? If so, don’t just give up mulesing ‘cold turkey’! First, read through the 10 steps below to see what […]

Pain Relief – Frequently Asked Questions

by Geoff Lindon, Australian Wool Innovation (from Beyond the Bale, March 2017) There has been large scale adoption of post-operative pain relief (Tri-Solfen®) during the past ten years. New pre-operative […]

Breech Modification

Mulesing If you plan to continue mulesing in the short term, use an accredited mulesing contractor or undertake training to become an accredited mulesing contractor. If you plan on stopping, […]

Tail Length

Docking the tail to the correct length at lamb marking time is crucial in minimising stain around the breech and reducing flystrike risk throughout the sheep’s life. The recommendation is […]

Worm and Dag Management for Sheep

In areas where dags and scouring occur they can be a greater flystrike risk than wrinkles. As dag score increases, the risk of breech strike increases dramatically. A Dag Score […]

Flystrike Protection – Jetting and Spray on Products

In addition to crutching and shearing times there are a range of chemicals available that can provide increased protection against flystrike. The suite of chemicals available and methods of application […]

Shearing and Crutching

In any district there is a huge variation in shearing dates. Shearing dates are chosen for many reasons: to fit with lambing time have sale sheep ready for particular markets […]

Monitoring for Flystrike

When monitoring for flystrike, the aim is to detect strike as early as possible, and certainly before the toxins produced by the maggots affect the entire sheep (systemic effects). Small […]

Annual Flystrike Management Plans for Sheep

This page guides you through nine steps to follow, and the FlyBoss resources to use, to review your annual flystrike management plan. Each step provides links to more information on […]

FlyBoss Management Options for Sheep

Sheep producers have always used an integrated approach to managing flystrike risk in their flocks. For most, this has involved mulesing, crutching, shearing and jetting at times during the year […]

Seasonal Conditions and Geography

Seasonal conditions The risk of flystrike increases once the temperature is above 17°C, wind speeds are moderate (<30 km per hour) and sheep fleece remains moist from rainfall for a […]

Blowfly Identification

For information on blowfly identification download the following article on the green blowfly Lucilia cuprina and other blowfly species. Blowfly identification – Industry & Investment NSW (325 KB)

Biology of the Blowfly

The Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina, initiates over 90% of all flystrike in the Australian flock. Other fly species will strike sheep but only in small numbers and do not […]

Flystrike Risk Adults

This map shows the risk of flystrike for adult sheep across Australia for the next 5 days based on recent and predicted weather conditions. Press play on the map so […]

Other Types of Strike

Poll or head strike This form of strike is mainly a problem of rams, in particular horned rams. Flies lay eggs in fighting wounds, near the base of the horns […]

Body Strike

Research over many years has shown that the most important factor affecting the risk of body strike is the presence of fleece rot. Fleece rot is caused by moisture and […]

Breech Strike

Research over many years has shown that the two most important sheep factors affecting breech strike risk are breech wrinkle and dag. Breech cover is the next most important trait. The Visual […]

Susceptibility for Sheep

There are three factors that determine the risk of flystrike in the flock. Susceptible sheep The most important determinants of breech strike risk are breech wrinkle and dag (in high rainfall […]

Insect Transmitted Parasites

‘Filarial worms’ are long, thin roundworms that as adults are parasites in the blood or tissue of mammals, and as larvae usually develop in biting insects. In Australia buffalo fly is believed to be […]

Onchocercosis

Bovine onchocercosis is an infection with the roundworm Onchocerca. At least three species infect cattle in Australia: O. gibsoni, O. gutturosa and O. lienalis. Onchocerca gibsoni has the greatest economic […]

Stephanofilaria in Cattle

Roundworms from the genus Stephanofilaria are a cause of dermatitis and skin lesions on cattle all over the world. Where the skin lesions occur depends on the species of Stephanofilaria […]

Pinkeye (Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis, IBK)

Pinkeye, also known as infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) is a common, economically important, contagious eye disease of cattle with worldwide distribution. IBK is debilitating and painful for cattle. IBK impacts […]

Other Arboviruses

Arboviruses of interest in Livestock (see also Bovine ephemeral fever, BEF) Virus Vector Host Bluetongue virus (BTV) Primarily the biting midge Culicoides brevitarsis. Other Culicoides species have been shown to […]

Bovine Ephemeral Fever (BEF)

Bovine ephemeral fever (BEF), commonly known as three-day sickness, is a disease of cattle and buffaloes, marked by short fever, shivering, lameness and muscular stiffness. Caused by an insect borne […]

Arboviruses in Cattle

A range of insect/arthropod borne viruses (arboviruses) occur in Australia. They are noncontagious viruses and are transmitted by their insect vectors. Climatic factors (rainfall and temperature) determine the distribution of […]

Bushfly

Description The most obvious difference to house flies are the 2 stripes on the thorax instead of 4 (Figure 1). Biology of bushflies The life cycle of the bushfly has […]

Stable Fly in Cattle

Stable flies are found throughout Australia Stable flies feed on blood causing production loss Stable flies are a declared pest in Western Australia Description Length: Adult stable flies are 5-7 […]

House Fly

Description Biology of house flies The life cycle of the house fly has four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Each female lays over 500 eggs during her lifetime in […]

March or Horseflies

March flies occur throughout Australia. March flies are usually present all year round but can have strong seasonal spikes in abundance with peaks usually following the wet season. March flies […]

Cattle Blowfly

Screw-worm infestation is a notifiable disease. Any flystrike of cattle in Australia, and particularly in northern Australia should be investigated to rule out screw-worm fly. Any animals with maggots in […]

Signs, Impact and Biology

Mosquitoes Many species of mosquitoes have been shown to feed on cattle (Figure 1). When at epidemic levels, such as following recent rains or in very wet environments, attacks by […]

Buffalo Fly Lesions

Nature of lesions Buffalo fly feeding can lead to the development of lesions that are of significant welfare concern. Lesions can range from small hairless areas to scab encrusted or […]

Distribution and Biology for Cattle

Distribution Buffalo flies are mainly a pest in northern cattle but have been steadily increasing their range southwards (Figure 1). This southerly range expansion is expected to accelerate as the climate warms. Buffalo […]

Impact and Cost

Buffalo flies are a significant cattle pest in northern cattle, estimated to cost the Australian beef and dairy industries approximately $100m annually. If uncontrolled, infestations may reach several thousand flies […]

Buffalo Fly

Description Length: Adult buffalo flies are 3.5 – 4 mm long Thorax: Grey in colour with parallel stripes Abdomen: Brownish grey to black Wings: Spread open at rest Larvae: Mature […]

Professional Service Providers

For assistance with investigating disease, management and treatment of flies or fly-borne diseases, in the first instance contact: Government or private cattle veterinarians. Chemical company technical veterinarians and their state […]

Manage Other Arboviruses

Eradication of arbovirus insect vectors across large areas is not feasible under Australian grazing conditions. However, eradication or suppression of insect vectors in small, selected and well-controlled areas is possible. Strategies to […]

Keep Flies Out

Reduce fly breeding areas Good sanitation is critical in a feedlot fly management plan. It is essential to frequently remove any matter flies breed in, such as wet manure for […]

Counting Fly Numbers in the Environment

Monitoring fly populations on feedlots Fly population monitoring is an important part of an integrated pest management (IPM) program. Information on the identity of the problem species and population fluctuations […]

Managing Fly Numbers in Feedlots

Flies mostly breed in a few, relatively small areas of the feedlot where there is moist manure, spilt feed, silage, and mixtures of vegetation and feedlot run-off. Fly control should […]

Manage Cattle Surrounds

Major nuisance flies in cattle feedlots The major nuisance flies in Australian feedlots are house flies, stable flies, bushflies and blowflies. These flies vary in their biology and behaviour, resulting […]

Manage Flystrike

Any open wound is susceptible to flystrike. Female blowflies are attracted to these wounds where they lay eggs. These eggs hatch within a few hours and the maggots burrow into the wound […]

Manage Pinkeye

Pinkeye of cattle is also known as infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK). The primary cause of contagious pinkeye is thought to be the bacteria, Moraxella bovis. Most studies on how to treat and […]

Manage Mosquitoes and Midges on Cattle

Mosquito and midge management on cattle is difficult to achieve and is generally not warranted. Mosquito control typically requires eliminating or managing standing water to remove their breeding grounds. The […]

Manage Bovine Ephemeral Fever (“three day sickness”)

Diagnosis The diagnosis of bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) or “three day sickness” during epidemics is made on the presence of lameness, muscular stiffness, pain, rapid spread of the disease through herds and […]

Breed Cattle for Resistance to Flies

Buffalo fly numbers: There are well documented differences among breeds of cattle in resistance to buffalo flies, with Bos indicus (Zebu type) cattle generally more resistant than Bos taurus (British breed type) cattle. In addition, there […]

Buffalo Fly Traps

Buffalo fly traps provide a non-chemical method of buffalo fly control, suitable for use on organic enterprises or as part of an integrated control program for buffalo flies. Maximum effectiveness […]

Seasonal Distribution of Buffalo Fly

Buffalo flies do not have a special overwintering phase and only survive winter by finding favourable, moist sheltered areas where they are protected from frost. When conditions become suitable again […]

Counting Fly Numbers on Cattle

Threshold buffalo fly numbers for treatment Beef cattle: flies exceed 200 per animal Dairy cattle: 30 flies per cow Monitoring buffalo fly numbers on cattle is important in making appropriate management decisions. […]

Dairy Cattle and House Cows

There are a limited number of cattle parasite control products that can be used for treating cattle which are or may in future be used to produce milk for human […]

Residues and Withholding Periods

Withholding periods are mandatory with all registered veterinary products used to treat food animals for internal and external parasites. These limits are set in Australia to ensure that meat and […]

Dung Beetles

Dung beetles have significant beneficial effects in cattle pastures. By breaking down and burying dung pats (Figure 1) they clear the pasture of dung accumulation, return nutrients to the plant root […]

Environmental Contamination

Toxic chemicals may unintentionally kill aquatic organisms and wildlife. Read and follow product label instructions. Do not allow chemicals to enter water systems. Some chemicals can be particularly toxic to […]

Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) for Cattle

General information Understanding the health risks and legal requirements associated with the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals can avoid serious consequences. Always first refer to the label (indications) and […]

Manage Pesticide Resistance for Cattle

Resistance to synthetic pyrethroid pesticides is widespread and often at a high level in buffalo fly populations whereas resistance to organophosphate insecticides is less common and no resistance has yet been found to macrocyclic lactone compounds in […]

Test for Pesticide Resistance in Cattle

Resistance testing consists of exposing buffalo flies to a range of concentrations of insecticide to detect changes in their susceptibility to chemical concentrations outside the normal range seen in non-resistant flies. […]

What is Pesticide Resistance in Cattle?

A genetic trait that allows resistant parasites to survive pesticide treatments. Resistance is heritable, it is passed on from parents to offspring. Resistance to one chemical group does not usually confer resistance […]

Consider other parasites when treating

Products used to control flies will also affect other parasites. Treating flies can cause development of resistance in other parasites. Many fly control products also affect other external parasites and […]

Biological Control of Flies

Naturally occurring parasites and predators of flies are found in manure and other habitats fly larvae grow in. These parasites and predators reduce fly numbers. Biological control agents play an […]

Application of Cattle Products on Premises

All insecticides are poisonous and should be used with caution. Read and understand all use precautions, restrictions, treatment frequency, and other label warnings. Before mixing and applying insecticides, put on […]

Choosing and Using Products for the Premises for Cattle

Chemical sprays only provide temporary relief of flies Carefully select suitable products and application methods Avoid exposing cattle and feed products to insecticides What type of fly do you wish […]

Chemical groups and actives in premises products

List of active constituents and chemical groups that can be used for nuisance fly control in feedlots (compiled February 2018). These products are NOT for direct use on cattle, for […]

Application Methods for Cattle and Sheep

There are a variety of application methods for administering pesticide products to cattle. Each product is formulated to ensure that the application method will transfer the chemical to the correct […]

Backrubbers

In extensive areas where mustering is difficult often the only practical methods of controlling buffalo flies are those that provide long periods of protection, such as insecticidal ear tags, backrubbers or fly […]

Spray

Used to treat most ectoparasites including ticks, lice, buffalo flies and occasionally mites. Some sprays are high volume and require several litres be applied as a full body spray, all […]

Insecticidal Ear Tags

Resistance A parasite population can develop resistance to a chemical through: What is resistance? Pros Cons Safety Everyone working in the rural industry has a ‘duty of care’; a legal […]

Dip

Resistance A parasite population can develop resistance to a chemical through: What is resistance? Pros Cons Safety Everyone working in the rural industry has a ‘duty of care’; a legal […]

Pour-on

Pour-on products are generally applied along the backline of cattle but some products (e.g. Fluazuron) recommend a side pour from the shoulder to the rump (follow the product label instructions). […]

Choosing and Using Products for Cattle

The product you choose to treat flies on cattle depends on the following factors: 1. Fly species By far the majority of products available on the market will be targeted […]

Oxadiazines

What do they treat? √ Premises flies For controlling adult house flies in and around farm buildings, any larvae present are also killed. Note: √ Moderately toxic to fish and […]

Spinosyns

What do they treat? √ Premises flies For controlling adult house flies and stable flies in and around agricultural animal facilities. Note: √ Highly toxic to invertebrates and algae. Dangerous […]

Neonicotinoids

What do they treat? √ Premises flies For controlling premises flies including house flies, bushflies, lesser house flies, and sheep blowflies in animal housing, cattle feedlots, dairies and stables (in […]

Carbamates

What do they treat? √ Premises flies For controlling adult nuisance flies in and around animal facilities. How can they be administered? A variety of application methods for administering pesticide products to […]

Insect Growth Regulators (IGR)

What do they treat? √ Premises flies √ Cattle tick √ Lice When using the product to target a particular parasite, be aware that it will be treating any other […]

Organophosphates (OP)

What do they treat? √ Flies √ Ticks √ Lice When using OPs to target a particular parasite, be aware that they will be treating any other of the above-mentioned […]

Synthetic Pyrethroids and Pyrethrins (SP)

What do they treat? √ Flies √ Ticks √ Lice When using SPs to target a particular parasite, be aware that they will also treat any other of the above-mentioned […]

Chemical Mixtures and Combinations

Multi-active products contain more than one parasitic chemical active responsible for killing parasites. The active ingredients within a multi-active product may target the same, or different parasites. Multi-active products can […]

Macrocyclic Lactones (ML)

What do they treat? √ Roundworm √ Flies √ Ticks √ Lice √ Mites Warning: When using MLs to target a particular parasite, be aware that they will also treat […]

Chemical Groups and Actives for Cattle

Cattle parasite treatments Cattle parasite control requires the use of treatment products for both internal (endo-) and external (ecto-) parasites as part of an integrated parasite management (IPM) program. Products […]

Treat feedlot surrounds – Cattle

Focused use of insecticides Insecticides can help control nuisance fly populations on cattle feedlots or in dairies but they should not be the main control strategy. They should only be […]

Diseases and Conditions Spread by Flies

Bovine ephemeral fever (BEF), also known as three-day sickness, is an arbovirus primarily spread by the mosquito Culex annulirostris. Always consult your veterinarian on the appropriate course of treatment for cattle affected […]

Other Flies

Stable flies on grazing cattle When to treat Stable flies (Figure 1) are widespread in Australia, but usually reach pest levels only in cattle feedlots and dairies, where they can cause […]

Buffalo Fly

When to treat Buffalo flies are small grey biting flies, similar in appearance to house flies, but about half the size. They have strong biting mouthparts enabling them to feed […]

Dairy Fly Identification Chart

Flies on Grazing Cattle

Annual Program for Cattle

The annual program describes the program of treatments and interventions for each Australian climatic and geographical region (Figure 1). The recommendations for each region are generic and therefore need to […]

Chemical Mixtures and Combinations for Cattle

Multi-active products contain more than one parasitic chemical active responsible for killing parasites. The active ingredients within a multi-active product may target the same, or different parasites. Multi-active products can […]

Macrocyclic Lactones (ML) in Cattle

What do they treat? √ Roundworm √ Flies √ Ticks √ Lice √ Mites Warning: When using MLs to target a particular parasite, be aware that they will be treating […]

Control of Body Lice on Shedding and Hair Breeds of Sheep

Control of Body Lice (Bovicola ovis) on Shedding and Hair Breeds of Sheep by Jenny Cotter, Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia This note deals with lice, Bovicola ovis, […]

Avoiding Dermo at Dipping in Sheep

by Jenny Cotter, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia About ‘dermo’ ‘Dermo’, or more correctly, dermatophilosis, is a skin infection of sheep and occasionally other species. It is also […]

Sheep Lice Control for Ewes and Lambs

When lice are found on ewes that are soon to lamb, or have recently lambed, lice management strategies are more complex than those for a mob of similar age animals. […]

Sheep Lice Treatments – Chemical Group Characteristics

by Jenny Cotter, Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia In 2023, available lice treatment products fall into eight chemical groups. This means that there are eight different modes of […]

Hand-Jetting for Lice Control

by Garry Levot, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Jetting long wool sheep to reduce louse infestations is only a stopgap measure to minimise wool damage until shearing. Lice […]

Shower Dipping for Sheep

by Garry Levot, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Irrespective of the apparatus used to dip sheep, it is essential for lice control that all sheep are wet to […]

Plunge and Cage Dipping

Sheep can be treated for lice infestations by immersion in pesticide solution. Dipping equipment may be in-ground or mobile plunge dips or immersion cage dips. Mobile plunge or cage dipping […]

Off-shears Backline Treatments for Sheep

by Garry Levot, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Backline treatments, used off-shears, can be a relatively quick and easy method of treating sheep to eradicate lice, but they […]

Application Methods for Sheep

Click the options below to find out more about each application method. Watch videos showing application methods PLUNGE DIPPING VIDEO SHOWER DIPPING VIDEO HAND-JETTING VIDEO

Lice Treatment for Breeding Ewes and Their Lambs

Introduction Treatment of ewes about to lamb or with lambs at foot makes eradication more difficult. This section is only for use after you have decided to treat breeding ewes. […]

Short Wool Lice Tool for Sheep

Introduction This program helps to assess whether sheep should be treated after shearing. It estimates the probability that the flock is infested with lice at shearing by separately estimating the […]

Rubbing Tool for Sheep

Introduction The rubbing assessment allows users to determine the cause (or causes) of rubbing in their sheep. However, it is also used by the Short Wool assessment and the Long […]

Solve Your Current Lice Issue

The LiceBoss Treatment Guide will assist your decision on whether existing, introduced or stray sheep should receive a lice treatment. It describes the type of treatment and associated management practices […]

Synthetic Pyrethroids and Pyrethrins (SP)

What do they treat? √ Flies √ Ticks √ Lice When using SPs to target a particular parasite, be aware that they will be treating any other of the above-mentioned […]

Rotenone and Sulfur for Cattle

What do they treat? √ Lice Only registered in cattle for controlling lice on calves. Note: ​​ √ Rotenone is especially toxic to fish and is harmful to many insects. […]

Why Control Sheep Lice? Economic Effects of Lice on Production

by Peter James, University of Queensland Sheep lice are one of the three main parasite diseases of sheep in Australia. They have a significant economic impact on the sheep industry, […]

Withholding Periods for Worm, Lice and Fly Treatments for Sheep

Withholding periods are mandatory with all registered veterinary products used to treat sheep for worms, flies or lice. These periods have been developed to indicate when the chemical residue that […]

Meat and Wool Residues

by Brian Horton, University of Tasmania Woolgrowers rely on chemical applications to manage sheep lice and blowfly strike. A consequence of chemical use on sheep is the possible presence of […]

Tests: Are Your Lice Resistant to Chemicals?

Tests conducted during 2019-20 assessed the current level of pesticide resistance in lice populations. The tests were funded jointly by NSW DPI and Australian Wool Innovation. The test is only […]

Pesticide Resistance for Sheep

by Peter James, University of Queensland and Garry Levot, NSW Department of Primary Industries Resistance can be defined as a genetic change in response to exposure to a pesticide that […]

Resistance, Residues and Safety for Sheep

New lice infestations can be prevented by careful attention to biosecurity (see Preventing lice), but once an infestation has commenced, control of lice relies almost totally on the application of […]

Stock Introduction and Quarantine Policies for Sheep

A good biosecurity plan must assume that introduced sheep are infested with lice regardless of their history or whether there are no lice or signs of lice. Your decision on […]

Sheep Lice – Biosecurity Can Prevent Introduction

by Jenny Cotter, Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia The prevalence of lice in Australian sheep flocks has a long-term base average of about 20-40%, but the proportion of […]

Preventing New Lice Infestations in Sheep

Nearly all new infestations begin from contact with infested sheep. Major sources of lice are: However, infestations can also result from sheep missed at muster and therefore left untreated in […]

Online Learning: Treatment – Safe Use of Pesticides in Sheep

The use of lice treatments should not be taken lightly, they have been responsible for illness in many farmers and shearers. Protect yourself and staff by using them safely. Structured […]

Online learning: Treatment – Pesticide Residues in Wool

Pesticide residues are a concern for the environment, people who handle sheep and wool and for the meat trade. There are even some ‘eco-wool’ markets now looking for low residue […]

Online Learning: Treatment – Pesticide Resistance in Sheep

The cost and labour involved in treating for lice is substantial, so it pays to be aware of resistance and to use practices likely to slow its rate of development. […]

Online Learning: Treatment – Pesticide Treatments in Sheep

Choose the right chemical to eradicate lice, but also consider the various withholding periods, which could restrict your choice. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information […]

Online Learning: Treatment – Application Methods for Sheep

The failure of lice eradication can often be attributed to poor application. Choose the right method for your situation and ensure that equipment and operators are up to the job. […]

Online Learning: Checking for Lice in Sheep

Checking sheep regularly and thoroughly for lice is an essential tool for maintaining a lice-free flock. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read […]

Online Learning: Preventing New Lice Infestations in Sheep

Nearly all new infestations begin from contact with infested sheep. A good biosecurity plan is essential for keeping lice out. Structured reading For those who like to see all the […]

Online learning: Sheep Lice

A basic understanding of the biology of lice will assist you in identifying and controlling them. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read […]

Learn About Sheep Lice Control in Australia

LiceBoss Online Learning is FREE Formal training is also now available through theParaBoss Certificate in Sheep Parasite Management Find the list of ParaBoss certified advisors here: ParaBoss certified advisors What […]

Itch Mite in Sheep

by Jenny Cotter, Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Itch mites in a nut shell The itch mite, Psorobia ovis (formerly Psorergates ovis), is a microscopic parasite that lives […]

Causes of Rubbing in Sheep

Brian Horton, University of Tasmania Rubbing, biting and itching sheep are relatively common problems, but the correct cause is not always identified. If wrongly diagnosed this may subject the flock […]

Monitoring Sheep for Lice

Regular monitoring of mobs for lice and early detection when an infestation begins are key elements of any well-planned lice control program. Careful inspection of sheep for lice can help […]

Monitoring and Detection of Lice in Sheep

Careful inspection of newly purchased or other introduced sheep for lice is a critical part of a good lice biosecurity program. Regular monitoring of mobs for lice and, in particular, […]

Biology of Sheep Lice

(Bovicola ovis) by Peter James, University of Queensland A key element in designing efficient property-specific IPM control programs is a good knowledge of the biology of the target pest. This […]

About Lice in Sheep

Biology Sheep body lice (Bovicola ovis) are small insects, generally less than 2 mm in length with a broad reddish-brown head and a pale body. Adult lice have brown stripes […]

Dairy Cattle and House Cows

There are a limited number of cattle parasite control products that can be used for treating cattle which are or may in future be used to produce milk for human […]

Residues and Withholding Periods

Withholding periods are mandatory with all registered veterinary products used to treat animals for internal and external parasites. These limits are set in Australia to ensure that meat and milk […]

Dung Beetles for Cattle

Beneficial in cattle pastures. Break down and bury dung pats returning nutrients to the soil. Dung beetles disrupt parasite life cycles that rely on dung (bush flies, biting midges, buffalo […]

Environmental Contamination

Toxic chemicals may unintentionally kill aquatic organisms and wildlife. Read and follow product label instructions. Do not allow chemicals to enter water systems. Some chemicals can be particularly toxic to […]

What is Pesticide Resistance?

Pesticide resistance is a genetic change in a parasite population that allows resistant parasites to survive treatment. Because it is genetically based, resistance to the same chemical group is passed […]

Pesticide Resistance in Cattle Lice

No chemical resistance has been found in cattle lice in Australia. Resistance to both synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) and Macrocyclic Lactones (MLs) has been confirmed overseas. Although resistance has been suspected in Australia […]

Consider Other Parasites When Treating Cattle

Products used to control lice will also affect other parasites. Treating lice can cause development of resistance in other parasites. Most louse control products also affect other external parasites and […]

Dust Treatment for Cattle

One dust formulation is registered for treating lice in calves. This formulation may be useful in situations where only one or a few animals need to be treated. Dust formulations […]

Spray

Resistance A parasite population can develop resistance to a chemical through: What is resistance? Pros Cons Safety Everyone working in the rural industry has a ‘duty of care’; a legal […]

Ear Tags for Cattle

Some ear tag formulations, registered for treatment of buffalo flies in northern Australia and NSW, also have effect against some species of lice (see Treating lice). These tags will also […]

Pour-on

Resistance A parasite population can develop resistance to a chemical through: Pour-on applications can be susceptible to under-dosing (see points above) plus caked mud, lesions, wet skin etc can reduce […]

Application Methods for Cattle

A variety of application methods for administering chemical products to cattle are in use. Each product is formulated to ensure that the application method will transfer the chemical to a […]

Monitor for Mites in Cattle

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Chemical Groups and Actives for Cattle

Cattle parasite treatments Cattle parasite control requires the use of treatment products for both internal (endo-) and external (ecto-) parasites as part of an integrated parasite management (IPM) program. There […]

Treating Mites in Cattle: When, How and What Chemical Group

Chorioptic mange mite Several macrocyclic lactones (MLs; ivermectin, doramectin, eprinomectin and moxidectin) are registered for use against chorioptic mange mites as pour-on or subcutaneous injection products. Topical use of ivermectin […]

Treating Lice in Cattle: When, How and What Chemical Group

When There are no set times to treat for lice. Louse numbers peak over cooler winter months so if heavy infestations are seen, the optimal timing of treatment is late […]

Keep Lice Out of Cattle

Check all new animals for lice. Properly apply louse treatments. Make sure to muster all animals when treating. Identify susceptible animals for extra care. Where are lice coming from? New […]

Different Species of Mites in Cattle

Most species of mites are very small, less than 1 millimetre in length. They can only be identified accurately with a high-powered microscope, and usually by trained professional specialists. Chorioptic […]

About Mites, Signs, Impact and Biology of Mites

Mites belong to a large group of arthropods (animals with jointed legs) with four pairs of legs, the best known being the spiders and scorpions. Mites are generally tiny representatives […]

Buffalo Louse

This species was originally a parasite of water buffalo but is now also found parasitising cattle in northern Australia. Type Sucking louse, fine mouthparts puncture the skin to feed on […]

Tail-switch Louse (also Cattle Tail Louse)

The tail-switch louse of cattle is mainly a tropical species, but has been found in all mainland states of Australia, and is often found on Bos indicus type cattle. These lice are […]

Little Blue Cattle Louse

This louse is preferentially found on the face and jaw of domestic cattle and captive ungulates, namely gazelles. They are spread through direct contact. Type Sucking louse, fine mouthparts puncture […]

Short Nosed Sucking Louse in Cattle

This is potentially the most damaging species of lice infesting cattle. In housed cattle overseas very heavy infestations can develop causing anaemia and potentially death. These lice may also cause […]

Long-nosed Sucking Louse

This is the most common sucking louse in southern Australia, but is found in all states. Type Sucking louse, fine mouthparts puncture the skin to feed on cattle blood. Adults […]

Cattle Biting Louse

Cattle biting lice are the most commonly seen species of lice. These lice feed on cells from the surface layers of the skin, dead skin cells and bacteria on the […]

Biology of Lice in Cattle

Louse life cycle The life cycle of the different louse species is similar, consisting of eggs, three nymphal stages and adults (Figure 1). All stages take place on cattle. The […]

Signs of Lice in Cattle

The first signs of lice are often the observation of cattle rubbing or loss of hair from the effects of lice as the level of infestation increases. The hair-coat in […]

Cost of Lice for Cattle

In most cases in Australia lice do not reach levels of infestation likely to cause significant reduction in weight gains or milk production. Most Australian studies have shown little economic […]

Monitor for Lice in Cattle

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Additional Considerations – Ticks in Cattle

Control based on weaknesses in the tick life cycle Planned treatments A weakness in the tick life cycle is the delay before female ticks fall off cattle and lay their […]

Treating Tick Fever

How to treat tick fever Advice for veterinarians If the cause of the outbreak has been diagnosed, use the following treatments: Cause Drug Dose Rate Route of inoculation Babesia Imidocarb(Imidox®) […]

Treating Dairy Cattle and House Cows

There are a limited number of cattle parasite control products that can be used for treating cattle which are or may in future be used to produce milk for human […]

Work Health & Safety

General information Understanding the health risks and legal requirements associated with the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals can avoid serious consequences. Always first refer to the label (indications) and […]

Types of Ticks

Ticks fall into two main groups, hard ticks and soft ticks. Hard ticks Hard ticks (family: Ixodidae) have a shield (scutum in females, conscutum in males) that covers the whole […]

Treating Tick Borne Diseases in Cattle

How to treat bovine anaemia caused by theileriosis Currently, there is no medication or vaccine registered in Australia for the treatment and/or control of bovine anaemia caused by theileriosis. Only […]

Chemical Groups and Actives for Cattle

There are currently five chemical groups available for treating ticks on cattle in Australia. Click below to go directly to each group: Macrocyclic lactones (ML) What do they treat? Roundworm, […]

Environmental Considerations for Cattle

Environmental contamination Some chemicals can be particularly toxic to aquatic organisms, wildlife and some important ecological insects such as dung beetles when used without reading the manufacturers label. Do not […]

Acaricide Resistance for Ticks in Cattle

What is acaricide resistance? Acaricide resistance is a genetic change (mutation) in individual ticks within a parasite population that allows resistant ticks to survive treatment. Because it is genetically based, […]

Application Methods for Tick Treatment

There are five methods of treating cattle for ticks, listed here. Click below to go straight to the section of this page with information on that application method: Pour-on Resistance […]

Products

Chemical groups and actives Cattle parasite treatments Cattle parasite control requires the use of treatment products for both internal (endo-) and external (ecto-) parasites as part of an integrated parasite […]

Moving Cattle

Stock owners are responsible for their own cattle tick control. Overview Cattle tick control and treatment in endemic areas is the duty of the individual person responsible for the cattle. […]

How and When to Treat Cattle Ticks

The best control is a program to reduce immature cattle tick numbers on the paddock. The following strategies can help to achieve this: Cattle tick can be challenging to control […]

Vaccines and Prevention

Tick fever vaccination About the vaccine The trivalent tick fever vaccine is a live, whole organism, blood-based vaccine containing attenuated strains of B. bovis and B. bigemina as well as […]

Cattle Breeding for Tick Resistance

Natural animal resistance has the biggest economic impact on tick control. Breeding for more resistant animals via tropical breed selection, or by within breed selection provides a low cost, permanent […]

Susceptibility and Management of Ticks in Cattle

Ticks are a stressor of cattle that can impact animal production and welfare. Their impact is made worse if the animal already deals with other physiological demands, such as pregnancy […]

Control on the Property for Cattle

Ticks spread diseases and cause damage during feeding. So it is important to keep them under control. But not all ticks are the same. Although all ticks go through the […]

Tick Fever in Cattle

(Babesia and Anaplasmosis) Tick fever is caused by infection with Babesia and Anaplasma organisms transmitted by the cattle tick Rhipicephalus australis (formerly known as Boophilus microplus). All cattle in tick […]

Manage Ticks in Cattle

How to count cattle ticks Sampling and or counting the ticks present on cattle provides a basis to estimate damage, monitor control methods and assess management success Tick Counts Count […]

Identifying Tick Borne Diseases and Conditions in Cattle

Disease identification In Australia, the tick-borne diseases of significance in cattle are tick fever (caused by Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale) and theileriosis (bovine anaemia caused by variants […]

About Ticks – In Cattle

Ticks are not insects, but acarines, their closest relatives are mites, spiders and scorpions. Whereas adult insects have six legs, adult acarines have eight. Free-living ticks tend not to walk […]