Monitoring parasite levels in livestock

Why should you do a Wormtest?

An integral part of any livestock management plan should be the regular monitoring of worm levels in stock throughout the year.
Being aware of the parasite burdens, by doing routine worm testing, can assist growers to make informed decisions on their drenching programs (which could otherwise be costly in terms of ineffective use of products and time) and on the rotation of stock in the paddocks. Good parasite management tactics will have a beneficial effect on reducing the levels of worms on the pasture as well as reducing the likelihood of resistance formation. This will have long term benefits.

The effect of worm burdens on the health of your stock, and the costs in real terms, of loss of production due to ill thrift in these affected animals can be great.
Significant numbers of internal parasites can and do cause losses in body condition, affecting wool, meat and milk production and can contribute to an increase in the number of stock deaths.

Monitoring throughout the year is vital, as the species of worms' change with seasonal conditions. This is especially important during times when the stock is under stress through environmental (eg weather/drought) and production factors (eg lambing/kidding/marking).

Wormtest as a monitor of worm burden

Wormtest measures the average number of worm eggs in the dung samples of your sheep or goats.

Monitoring the worm burden lets you know when to drench and when not to drench.  Failure to drench when necessary results in production loss, scouring and death.  Drenching when it is not necessary wastes the cost of the drench, your time and promotes the development of drench resistance.

What type of stock to monitor?

Any mob you suspect of being wormy should be monitored.  The stock most susceptible to worms are young animals especially weaned lambs/kids.  Pregnant and lactating ewes/does are also susceptible.  Dry ewes and wethers seem to be able to handle worm burdens better than young ewes, but these animals should still be monitored.  Adult goats have poor immunity to worms compared to dry ewes and wethers.  Monitoring efforts should be concentrated on young sheep, especially weaners, on pregnant ewes and on all classes of goats.

When to monitor?

While monitoring can take place at any time, most worm problems occur in the wetter months during autumn, winter and spring.  Monitoring efforts should be intensified at these times.

If you are unhappy about the condition of your stock or if there is a problem with scouring, Wormtest should be carried out to see whether the cause is worms. This in consultation with your veterinary advisor can assist producers in their decision on whether or not drenching is necessary. Wormtest results are mailed out within two working days of the laboratory receiving the samples. Results can also be faxed or emailed to clients who provide the laboratory with their details.
 

The Parasitology laboratory at Mt. Pleasant offers worm-testing services. Owners and managers can request a "Wormtest". This test will give an indication of worm levels in the herd or flock, and is reported as number of worm eggs per gram of faeces  (EPG).

Prices

These prices are inclusive of GST and are subject to change. There is no charge for the kits and they are available from Mt. Pleasant laboratories, and from most rural suppliers.

Any queries should be directed to Bonnie Beall, Parasitology Mt. Pleasant (03) 63 365218.