Is it time to drench? If so, step back and consider a few things.
Worm burdens will vary between different classes of livestock. Therefore, it's important to first establish what really needs drenching.
In doing so, you may save yourself time and money and reduce the chance of drench-resistance establishing in your herd.
Worm testing by using worm faecal egg counts (FEC) is a way to monitor for the presence of worms and thus the requirement for treatment. It is a useful diagnostic aid in all types of livestock.
FEC 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 about 10 minutes and then collecting fresh faecal samples from the ground.
Different mobs may have different FECs so it's worth having a number of mobs tested.
This particularly applies to 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, be sure to give the correct dose and use an effective drench.
FECs can also provide information on how effective treatment has been thus providing information about possible drench resistance.
For further information visit wormboss.com.au or contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer.