THIS SEASON TEST – DON’T GUESS!

Australian sheep producers spent almost $135 million in the last 12 months on drenches to manage internal parasites.1 Unfortunately, many of these drenches are no longer fully effective in controlling worms and in some cases, are completely ineffective.2
There is widespread resistance to all older active ingredients, including moxidectin and two, three- and four-way combinations.2

Any reduction in drench efficacy has a direct impact on the health and productivity of sheep throughout the year.

Even a mild or moderate reduction in drench efficacy can reduce potential income by 2–10%.3 At a conservative gross margin of $150/ewe excluding feed costs, a 15% reduction in drench efficacy equates to $3/ewe in lost production.4

A 35% reduction in drench efficacy equates to $15/ewe in lost production. Using a fully effective drench is important to maximise productivity and profit.

The only way to know if the drench you have selected is fully effective is to test – a DrenchCheck is recommended. Don’t let using an ineffective drench rob you of productivity and profit.

This season, worm pressure is very high in most regions.
It will be extremely important to have an effective summer drench program in place in south-eastern Australia this season to minimise the potential impact of worms on production next year. Treating with a fully effective drench minimises pasture contamination and the carry-over of worm populations over summer.
It is important to make sure the drenches used in your summer drench program are fully effective. One way to know is to take the Zolvix™ Plus Challenge and conduct a free Dench Check valued at approximately $230.
A DrenchCheck is a simple way to indicate the efficacy of the drench used against the worm burden in the sheep at the time of testing.5
It involves conducting two Worm Egg Count (WEC) tests to determine the reduction in the worm egg count after drenching.

The first test is conducted before drenching. The second test is conducted 10–14 days after drenching.

The presence of any worm eggs – even very low counts – 14 days after drenching may indicate a problem.
The larval culture results from the second test will indicate which worm species survived treatment and may be resistant to that drench. Re-treatment with an effective drench may be required.

To participate in the Zolvix™ Plus Challenge, sheep producers simply register their details at www.zolvixplusrewards.com.au before their next planned drench.*

Your Elanco territory sales manager will then contact you to discuss your current drench program and to provide directions on how to undertake the test.

Producers will receive two Elanco Worm Test kits, each containing 10 sample jars, gloves, instructions, an order/authorisation form and a pre-paid Express Post bag. Collected samples will be analysed by an independent laboratory.

Your Elanco territory sales manager will then contact you to discuss the results of the DrenchCheck and provide recommendations on how to maintain or to increase the effectiveness of your drenching program.

This may involve recommending a full DrenchTest (Worm or Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (WECRT/FECRT)).

Conducting a WECRT/FECRT every 2 or 3 years is regarded as best practice to accurately determine the resistance status and efficacy of each drench class against each worm species on the property. There are many useful resources on the worm boss website https://wormboss.com.au/ to assist with decision making and worm management.5.6

For more information contact your local AIRR Member Store or contact an Elanco representative on 1800 995 709 or [email protected]. Always read and follow label instructions.