While you may be researching or planning a program for a specific parasite that is a problem for your property, it pays to be aware of what other parasite risks may be approaching and make an integrated plan.
Programs for the key parasites, ticks, buffalo fly, lice, worms and fluke can be opened below. The recommendations are generic and therefore need to be customised to the needs of individual producers and delivered by those with knowledge in the field.
Be aware that chemical resistance can develop in both targeted and non-targeted parasites.
Use of chemicals to control one type of parasite can also unintentionally select for resistance in a different group of parasites. It is important to read the label to determine which parasites will be controlled. Resistance is a significant issue in ticks, buffalo flies and cattle worms. When choosing a chemical to control one of these parasites, consider the possible side effects of increasing selection for resistance to the others.
Strategies for delaying the emergence of chemical resistance include:
Read more:
Autumn
Barber’s pole worm (Haemonchus placei)
Nodule worm (Oesophagostomum radiatum)
Small intestinal worms (Cooperia species)
Stomach fluke (Calicophoron calicophorum)
Lungworm (Dictyocaulus viviparus)
Table 1. Calendar for worm and fluke control.
Worm control |
May-June |
Oct-Nov |
|
Weaners/yearlings |
√ |
(√) Additional treatments in spring and the following autumn as required. WECs useful for young stock. |
|
Stomach fluke control |
A single treatment of all weaned cattle in Aug/Sep will usually control stomach fluke in ‘flukey’ areas e.g. swamps, inundated areas, river flood plains. In severe cases an additional treatment may be required in Mar-May based on monitoring and veterinary advice. |
||
KEY |
|||
√ |
Strategic worm treatment given each year |
||
(√) |
Not a routine treatment. Indicators for treatment include scouring, sudden loss of condition and a condition score of 2 or less, especially if feed availability is less than 1,000kg DM/ha. Treatment will be more effective if combined with a change to ‘low-risk’ pastures, especially for young stock. |
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Beef animals. 200 flies
Dairy animals. 30 flies
Seasonal trends
Louse numbers increase
mid- to late-dry season
Optimal timing of treatment if needed (usually not required)
mid-dry season
Lice numbers increase in the mid- to late-dry season and then decline with increasing feed during the wet season. Heavy infestations are usually seen in cattle in poor body condition. In most cases the lice are a consequence, and not the cause, of poor nutritional conditions. Where lice are an on-going problem a single treatment in the middle of the dry season will usually provide effective control.
Early spring or start of wet season