Is drenching on your to-do list at this time of year?
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If so, then it's time to step back and consider the situation.
Remember worm burdens will vary between different classes of livestock, so maybe it's worth first establishing what really needs drenching.
In doing this you may save time and money and reduce the chance of drench resistance establishing in your herd.
Worm testing by worm faecal egg counts (FEC) monitors for the presence of worms and thus the requirement for treatment.
It is a useful diagnostic aid in all types of livestock.
A faecal egg count is the process of determining the number of eggs in faeces and is a fast, effective and relatively inexpensive test.
The test involves the collection of faeces either directly from the rectum of the animal, or by mustering a number of animals into a clean corner of a paddock for approximately ten minutes and then collecting fresh faecal samples from the ground.
Different mobs may have different faecal egg counts so it's worth having a number of mobs tested.
This particularly applies to your weaners and maiden animals, which have a naturally lower worm resistance and will probably need drenching where the rest of your herd may not.
If and when you do drench, always give the correct dose and use an effective drench.
Faecal egg counts can also provide information of how effective treatment has been, thus providing information about possible drench resistance.
For further information visit www.wormboss.com.au, or contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer, or in NSW your Local Land Services.
