Worm Heat Map – June Edition

Average WEC values continue their decline in May. While the New England tablelands still remain in the pink category, the north-west drops into the yellow category recording an average WEC of 320.  The weather has cooled enough to prevent development of Barber’s pole worm, but pasture contamination remains from previous months.  25% of WECs still showed very high levels of infection, hence the pink category on the tablelands. With the mild and wet weather being experienced in this region, other parasites such as Black scour worm may potentially be a problem. It is worth speciating a WEC at this time of year, especially in young sheep or pre-lambing ewes. Treatment thresholds are much lower when worms other than Barber’s pole worm dominate the infection. Excess scour worm burdens will reduce liveweights and wool growth.

The continued dry weather in Western Victoria continues to suppress worm burdens, with all of western Victoria shown as green. Let’s hope the dry spell breaks soon and pastures recover. When it does, remember to WEC test 4-6 weeks after the rains start. 

Low worm egg counts continue to be reported across South Australia, with 80% of WECs being less than 250 epg. In the east, more counts are being returned with positive Nematodirus counts. This worm can be pathogenic at low counts to young lambs. This worm was only recorded in 1 sample submitted from the Fleurieu Peninsula where the worm challenge remains low. Other parts of the state also have low worm challenge.

Much of Tasmania had long awaited rainfall in May and, in the east, our worm challenge has risen from the green to yellow category with higher WECs being recorded in May compared to April. A good reminder to test worm burdens a few weeks after rainfall.