Prepare Now to Control Worms: Avoid worm problems later in season

摘要

For many years, sheep farmers have controlled worms very effectively using a combination of grazing strategies and anthelmintics. However, anthelmintic resistance is an increasing issue when planning a worming regime, meaning it is more important than ever to utilise cost-effective tests such as Faecal Egg Counting (FECs) and the full range of wormers on the market. There have been many changes within the sheep industry over recent years. Two of the most significant are the way in which sheep are grazed, and shifts in the patterns of worm activity. Sheep are now tending to be grazed more on permanent pasture, at high stocking rates and in many cases without any cattle or conservation to dilute worm burdens. This system relies heavily on the routine use of wormers, which can lead to resistance.