Online Learning: NSW Central, Southern and Southwest—Introduction

1. Use a strategic drenching program
2. WormTest at recommended times
3. Use grazing management to create low worm-risk paddocks
4. Breed and feed for worm-resistant goats
5. Manage drench resistance

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The most important roundworms in this region are:

• Scour worms
  • Black scour worm Trichostrongylus colubriformis/ Trichostrongylus vitrinus (the latter increases in the south)
  • Small brown stomach worm Teladorsagia (Ostertagia) circumcincta

In very wet years and in areas with non-seasonal rainfall tending to summer dominance (e.g. the Monaro), especially with more than 700 mm average annual rainfall:

• Barber’s pole worm Haemonchus contortus

Also important but mainly for young sheep

• Thin-necked intestinal worm Nematodirus species

Barber’s pole worm

In this region, barber’s pole worm is generally sporadic and of short duration, therefore the annual requirement for the vaccine that protects against barber’s pole worm is less certain compared to 4–6 weekly monitoring of worm egg counts during high risk periods and treatment with a short-acting or narrow spectrum drench (seek veterinary advice before using unregistered products).

However, if your farm has periods of high barber’s pole worm risk for several months each year (which may occur in coastal areas or on irrigated pastures) seek veterinary advice as to whether the vaccine program against barber’s pole worm should be considered.

Liver fluke

Liver fluke is an internal parasite that occurs throughout this region where there are colonies of the intermediate host snail Austropeplea (Lymnaea) tomentosa. It can affect goats severely, sometimes causing deaths. The life cycle differs from the simple life cycle of roundworms, so control strategies are different.  Liver fluke should be considered if there are cases of anaemia or bottle jaw in goats that are not associated with barber’s pole worm. To control liver fluke, see Liver Fluke Control in the Appendix.

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