Worm Heat Map – April Edition

March is peak barber’s pole worm season, but due to continued dry conditions, worm egg counts are reduced across the region compared to previous years. However, worm egg count data suggests that vigilance is still required, with 35% of submitted samples indicating that treatment is still necessary. The lack of rainfall across the region will limit egg development to infective L3 larvae, which should continue to reduce the worm challenge compared to previous years.

In central NSW, the worm challenge on the eastern side decreased in March, and the area is now shown in yellow. Of the 269 samples submitted in this region, 61 had counts greater than 500 epg. With some parts of this region recording significant rainfall events, egg development to infective L3 will have increased, creating the potential for infections throughout winter and into spring.

In the west, the worm challenge continues to be very low and is shown as green on the map.

In southern NSW, worm burdens in the eastern zone dropped significantly compared to the previous month, with the average worm egg count falling below 100 epg for the first time since September 2024. In the western zone, counts remained low.

Rainfall events in March are likely to increase worm challenge in April. Worm testing 4–6 weeks after major rainfall events is recommended.

Worm challenge across Victoria remains low, with the entire state shown in green on the map for the second month in a row. Remember to sample 4–6 weeks after the autumn break to keep worms under control.

In the south-east, worm egg counts have fallen from the high challenge levels of the previous month and are now shown in yellow. The Fleurieu and Eyre Peninsulas also recorded lower worm burdens in March, with both regions now shown in green, indicating a low worm risk. The Yorke Peninsula remains green with low worm challenge.

Across the region, conduct WormTests at 6–8 week intervals until pre lambing, and treat if counts exceed 200 epg in late summer or early autumn.

While worm egg counts have dropped from the very high numbers seen over summer in the southern region of WA, worm burdens remain moderately high, with the average WEC recorded at 490 epg. In other parts of WA, worm burdens appear under control, with average WECs remaining under 200 epg.

Rainfall in March may increase worm challenge. Continue worm testing, especially 6 weeks after the autumn break, and treat if WECs exceed 300 epg.

In the low rainfall region of Tasmania, average WECs dropped significantly from the high counts seen in February. The region is now shown in green, with an average WEC of 189 epg.