Times have changed, and we know our advice has also changed… we get that, but we are seeing farmers understand why this is the case, and it is leading to some great shifts in farm systems to favour the stock, not the parasites.

One big change is less use of drench in adult stock – throughout the year and especially around the lambing period. We are seeing farmers feeding their stock better and having more condition on them, enabling them to better handle the parasite pressure that comes at this time of year.

At times, ewes will still need to be drenched. If there is a feed shortage, and/or their condition is light, then a drench may assist them. If this is the case, you have the choice of short or long-acting products.

The short-acting oral drenches will get rid of the parasites that they have carried from autumn. The long-acting drench options (bolus or injection) will also do this, plus continue to kill incoming larvae for an extended period (the timeframe is dependent on the product used).

It’s important to use a drench that is working on the parasites on your farm! It may be worthwhile having a chat with your vet for a product recommendation.

If you are using any long-acting products, we suggest these animals are lambed on paddocks that will be turned over for crop later in spring. If this can’t happen, make sure they are mixed with undrenched stock for lambing. A faecal egg count 60-80 days after administration is essential to see how effective the treatment was and if it is a viable option to use in the future.

We are very happy to have a chat with you about this important part of the season. Ring your KeyVet to arrange a time that suits.