December rains followed in early January with some cooler temperatures set the scene for Barbers Pole to get active.
Certainly, worm egg counts in the first half of January indicated some activity but with January staying dry and then hot, treatments applied contained the problem.
If February/March sees some moist weather, we would recommend worm egg monitoring to ensure you only treat if there is a problem.
In order to minimise the risk of drench resistance developing it is recommended, especially in summer, to monitor for the presence of worms first before considering a drench. This is contrary to past recommendations that many of us have grown up with, it is now preferred to avoid summer drenching altogether unless specifically necessary.
Regular testing through this time allows us to make the best call for your livestock, your farm and your hip pocket!
Signs of Barbers Pole – lethargy, anaemia, bottle jaw, death. Death can be rapid – 14 days.
Barbers Pole in Sheep
