Worm Heat Map – November Edition

October has seen the average worm egg count more than double from September. In QLD, the average WEC was greater than 2000 epg, while on the eastern side of the tablelands, the average WEC was 1292 epg.

This is a clear indication that barber’s pole worm season has well and truly started and farmers should remain vigilant and monitor stock closely. Worm egg counts above 1000 epg are associated with higher rates of mortality.

In the central NSW region, worm challenge remains at similar levels to last month, with moderate risk shown as yellow on the map. Over 270 samples were submitted from the region. While most samples show counts below 250 epg, 25% of counts are above 500 epg.

In the south of NSW, worm burdens remain at similar low levels to past months, with most WECs under 250 epg, indicating low challenge. For this region, Wormboss drench decision guide advises treatment around cereal harvesting or before sheep are moved onto stubble. In dry years (or years of low challenge as the data indicates), WormTest adult sheep first and only drench if the egg count exceeds 150 epg to minimize development of drench resistance.

The worm challenge across most of Victoria remains low,  shown as green on the map. Not enough samples have been submitted from the Gippsland region for comment, with a single count above 1000 epg potentially skewing the data.

While worm challenge has been low this season, good worm control can ensure worms remain under control.  The 1^st summer drench should be planned to help reduce contamination of pastures over summer. Remember that summer contamination contributes to autumn worm problems. Treat if WECs are greater than 100 epg and monitor over summer to see if a second summer drench is required.

Worm activity remains very low in the south-east of the state, which remains categorised as green. While fewer samples have been submitted from Eyre and York Peninsula, counts are higher in these regions. Despite these low counts, a summer drench 2-3 weeks after feed has dried off remains best practice.

In Western Australia, the worm challenge in the central region has increased and is now shown in yellow.  While more than half the samples were below 250 epg, a few high counts above 1000 epg show some localities have high worm pressure. In the southern region, worm challenge has reduced to the low risk category (shown as green) for the first time since March. Even with low challenge, A reminder that hoggets and weaners will still require a summer drench in WA.

Sheep producing regions in the high rainfall of Tasmania have seen another rise in worm challenge, with the average worm egg count for the month at 360 epg. Individual samples were widely distributed, with results from 0 to more than 1000 epg.