Animal Health
WEANER CATTLE - IS YOUR DRENCH DOING ITS JOB?
A recent scientific article in the Australian Cattle Veterinarians (ACV) journal highlights the need to check that your weaner drench is effective. Drench resistance is widespread in Australia.6-13,16 It is recommended that combination drenches (more than one active against the same parasite) be the standard treatment of cattle. The ACV journal article outlines valuable data from 2018-2021 on: > The extent of drench resistance in Australian cattle worms > How different drenches are working against different worm types > Productivity responses when more effective drenches are used onfarm
WHICH WORMS ARE RESISTANT? Effective drench programs are essential to drive good productivity in young Australian cattle.1,2,3,4 The important worms in Australian cattle are Barber’s Pole Worm, Cooperia and Ostertagia.5 Drench resistance in these worms can lead to a decrease in productivity.1,2,3,14,16 The ACV article collates 25 trial results to show that overall mean efficacy of single active drenches in Australian cattle can be estimated at only 72 per cent (pc). Drenches need to be working at 95pc or better.
AT A GLANCE ■ Drenches need to be working at 95pc or better. ■ Cattle producers are encouraged to work with advisors to seek improvements in their parasite management programs. ■ The use of combination drenches should be the default position when chemicals are needed to protect the health and productivity of cattle.
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