Weaner cattle - is your drench doing its job? If you don’t know the efficacy of your drench, then take the Zolvix™ Plus Challenge

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.

A summary of the mean results for pour-on drenches and worm type is found in table one.

THE IMPACT ON CATTLE

The impact of drench resistance in cattle is often not severe illness or death, like in sheep; but instead, significant loss of productivity. Over a period of eight weeks, the failure to effectively remove worm burdens in growing cattle can mean a potential loss of 8-12 kg.1,2 While many cattle producers can visually identify a difference of 30-50 kg, it is difficult to identify a productivity loss of 8-12 kg. This is one reason that drench resistance may remain unidentified on some cattle properties. Which is a problem, because investment in genetics and feed may be undermined by failings in the animal health program. In 2020-21 James Cook University (Townsville, Northern Australia) and NSW DPI (North Coast, NSW) investigated cattle weight gain following treatment of weaners with different drench products. The combination drench, Cydectin Platinum, led to increased weight gain (for example 8 kg more than doramectin pour-on over 2 months). Virbac senior livestock technical services manager Dr Matt Ball encourages farmers to ensure they choose the most effective cattle drench to fight parasites. “We now recognise that single active drenches are no longer effective to control all key worms or protect productivity,” Dr Ball explained.

Table One: Summary by pour on drench formulation for Faecal Egg Count Reduction Tests (FECRTs) and Total Worm Counts (TWC) completed between 2018 and 2021 in multiple locations in Australia. All data uses arithmetic mean.

Product/Active/route^ No. of tests mean result based on Efficacy (%) Total

Efficacy (%) Haemonchus Efficacy (%) Cooperia

Efficacy (%) Ostertagia*

Cydectin Platinum Moxidectin/Levamisole PO 25 99.4 99.4 99.3 100

Moxidectin PO 10 67.8 75.0 69.3 99.0

Doramectin PO 8 53.5 28.9 71.9 NA

Ivermectin PO 3 68.3 0.0 87.3 NA

Abamectin PO 2 72.5 51.0 86.0 97.0

Levamisole PO 6 96.8

^PO=pour-on NA means there were no larvae of that genus in the faecal culture for that treatment group 99.7 99.7 73.0

Other key findings include: > The dual-active combination of moxidectin and levamisole (Cydectin Platinum) was 99-100pc effective against all key worms of cattle. > Barber’s Pole Worm and Cooperia resistance to ‘Mectin’ drenches is common. Levamisole is generally effective against these worms. > Moxidectin (as in Cydectin) has an advantage against ‘Mectin’ resistant worms, especially

Barber’s Pole Worm, when compared to ivermectin and doramectin.15,16 Mean efficacy of doramectin pour-on against

Barber’s Pole Worm across 8 studies was 28.9pc while mean efficacy of moxidectin pour-on was 75pc. In one study, doramectin 1pc injectable had an efficacy of 8pc ,while Cydectin injectables were 99- 100pc effective. > Mectins are performing adequately against Ostertagia on many farms but resistance has been detected.

Moxidectin was still 97-100pc effective in controlling Ostertagia in five scientific studies.

Levamisole used on its own was not always reliable against

Ostertagia and should be used in combination with another active for reliable worm control. > A nitroxynil and ivermectin combination (Nitromec) had very high efficacy (100pc) against mectin-resistant Barber’s Pole

Worm suggesting that nitroxynil might be an undervalued active for treatment of this parasite.

CYDECTIN PLATINUM

Cydectin Platinum is the next generation dual-active pour-on drench for cattle containing moxidectin and levamisole. > Unrivalled worm control (99100pc) > Highly effective against single and dual-resistant worms > Short 7 day withholding period > Only combination drench with persistency - prevents pasture contamination for up to 35 days > No known impact on dung beetles It also is the first veterinary use of DMISorbTM technology to keep the product concentrated to the areas where it

was applied and reduce absorption variability. All in the convenience of an easy to use low volume pour-on. 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. To find out more visit your local Elders branch.

REFERENCES

1. Canton et al (2019) Impact on beef cattle productivity of infection with anthelminticresistant nematodes, New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 68: 187-192. 2. NSW DPI (2020) Duck Creek Endoparasite Trial - Virbac Data on File.

3. Virbac (2016) Weaner Productivity Trials - Virbac Data on File

4. Eppleston & Watt (2016) Post Weaning Growth of beef heifers drenched with long and short acting anthelmintics, Australian Veterinary Journal, 94:341-346. 5). The Australian Society for Parasitology (2014) Australasian Animal Parasites Inside Out. E-Textbook.

6. Sutherland and Leathwick (2011) Anthelmintic resistance in nematode parasites of cattle: a global issue? Trends Parasitol. 27(4):176-81. 7. Rendell (2010) Anthelmintic resistance in cattle nematodes on 13 south west VIC properties. Australian Veterinary Journal 88:504-509 8. Wonders (2016) What does anthelmintic resistance mean for worm treatment in cattle? Proceedings of the 98th District Veterinarians conference.

9. Rendell, Homer, Rolls, Webb-Ware, Cotton, Beall, Larsen (2014), Anthelmintic resistance in cattle nematodes on thirty-six Victorian properties, Proceedings of the 28th World Buiatrics Congress 231–244 10. Cotter, Van Burgel, Besier (2015), Anthelmintic resistance in nematodes of beef cattle in southwest Western Australia, Veterinary Parasitology 207, 276-284 11. Lyndal-Murphy et al (2010) Reduced efficacy of macrocyclic lactone treatments in controlling gastrointestinal nematode infections of weaner dairy calves in subtropical eastern Australia. Vet Parasitology. 168:146-150.

12. Bullen, Beggs, Mansell, Runciman, Malmo, Playford, Pyman (2016), Anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes of dairy cattle in the Macalister Irrigation District of Victoria, Australian Veterinary Journal 94, 35-41 13. Eagleson, Bowie, and Dawkins (1992). Benzimidazole resistance in Trichostrongylus axei in Australia. Veterinary Record 131, 317-318 14. George M, George M and Kotz A (2020) Production impacts and resistance of gastrointestinal parasites in feedlot cattle, MLA: B.FLT.3002 15. Pritchard and Geary (2019) Perspectives on the utility of moxidectin for the control of parasitic nematodes in the face of developing anthelmintic resistance, International Journal for Parasitology- Drugs and Drug Resistance, 10:69-83. 16. Ball and Gibbison (2021), Resistance Patterns to Avermectins and Milbemycins in Australian Cattle Nematodes, ACV Journal Dec 2021.

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Our TEC consultants enhance our clients’ returns and sustainable productivity through the provision of cuttingedge, data-driven advice tailored to drive the desired results for our farming clients.

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE EFFICACY OF YOUR DRENCH, THEN TAKE THE ZOLVIX™ PLUS CHALLENGE

AUSTRALIAN sheep producers spent almost $104 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 single, double and triple 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),4 a 15% reduction in drench efficacy equates to $3/ewe in lost production. A 35% reduction in drench efficacy equates to $15/ewe in lost production. Drenching is hard work, and it takes just as much effort to administer an ineffective drench as it does a fully effective drench. The most expensive drench is the one that doesn’t work!

If you don’t know the efficacy of your drench, then take the Zolvix™ Plus Challenge. Find out if your drench is working by undertaking a free DrenchCheck worth approximately $200! A DrenchCheck is a simple way to indicate the efficacy of your existing drench against the worm burden in your sheep at the time of testing. A DrenchCheck involves conducting two Worm Egg Count (WEC) tests to determine the reduction in the worm egg count after drenching. The first test is conducted up to 10 days 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. Conducting a full DrenchTest (Worm or Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (WECRT/FERCT)) every 2-3 years is regarded as best practice5 to accurately determine the resistance status and efficacy of each drench class against each worm species on your property. To claim your free DrenchCheck kit, simply register your details at zolvixplusrewards.com.au before your next planned drench. Your local Elanco representative will then contact you to discuss your current program and provide directions on how to undertake the test.

The Drench Check will require two Elanco Worm Test kits, each containing 10 sample jars, gloves, instructions, order/authorisation form and a pre-paid Express Post bag. Use the first kit to collect 10 Individual faecal samples before drenching and dispatch to the testing laboratory using the pre-paid Express Post bag. Use the second kit to collect 10 individual faecal samples 10–14 days after drenching and dispatch to the testing laboratory using the pre-paid Express Post bag. Your local Elanco representative will 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. Then you will know if your current drench is really working or not. Zolvix Plus is the only combination drench that delivers the power of monepantel. Its unique mode of action provides >99.9% efficacy against a broad spectrum of internal parasites, including single, double and triple resistant strains.6,7 Its new 21-day Export Slaughter Interval is the lowest of any combination drench containing abamectin. Always read and follow label directions. Resistance may develop to any chemical. Ask your local veterinary practitioner or animal health advisor for recommended parasite management practices for your area to reduce development of resistance. It is advisable that a resistance test be conducted before any parasite treatment is used. Use in accordance with the registered label directions and regional drench decision guidelines (www.wormboss.com.au). *Visit zolvixplusrewards.com.au for terms and conditions.

REFERENCES

1. Baron sales data 2021.

2. Playford, M.C. et al. (2014). Prevalence and severity of anthelmintic resistance in ovine gastrointestinal nematodes in Australia (20092012). Aust Vet J 92(12):464–471. 3. Besier R.B., et al. (1996). Drench resistance – a large economic cost. J. Agric. West. Aust. 37:60–63. 4. dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/budgets/livestock 5. http://www.wormboss.com.au/sheep-goats/ tests-tools/tests/testing-drench-effectivenesswith-a-drenchtest.php 6.Refer to registered label. 7. Hosking, B.C. et al. (2010). A pooled analysis of the efficacy of monepantel, an amino-acetonitrile derivative against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep. Parasitol Res 106:529-532. Zolvix Plus contains 25 g/L monepantel and 2 g/L abamectin. Elanco, Zolvix™ and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. ©2021 Elanco or its affiliates. EAH21721. PM-AU-21-0872

TROY ANIMAL HEALTH CONTINUES AUSSIE HELPERS PARTNERSHIP

Troy Animal Health is continuing their partnership with charity Aussie Helpers, donating $5 from every drum of AVENGE + FLY purchased from February 1 to May 31 2022.

Aussie Helpers provides farmers and their families with financial assistance, farming supplies, household necessities and educational support for children in remote areas.

This partnership will directly support Aussie Helpers’ initiatives across the country, having already provided more than $24 million in aid to more than 15,000 farming families since 2002.

CONSIDER THE AVENGE + FLY RANGE

Troy Animal Health’s AVENGE + FLY product is helping at a time when many farmers across the country are treating sheep to ensure they remain protected from flystrike during this wet summer. With farmers reporting resistance issues to commonly used flystrike prevention chemicals, AVENGE + FLY offers the first new active for spray on flystrike prevention in 20 years. Craig Lyons, Marketing Manager from Troy Animal Healthcare, said the partnership would enable Aussie Helpers to continue the amazing work they do. “We are very proud to be able to partner with Aussie Helpers, one of Australia’s largest rural charities, and continue to support the farmers who need it most,” Mr Lyons said. “As we approach the end of the current flystrike season, I encourage those who are looking for a new rotational product to try AVENGE + FLY. Rotation is critical to mitigating the risk of chemical resistance and your investment directly supports farmers and their communities doing it tough.” “Speak to your local supplier and make sure you place your order well in advance as supply remains tight, due to high demand and supply chain constraints from COVID.” Tash Kocks, CEO of Aussie Helpers said the partnership with Troy Animal Health helps the organisation to continue to provide much needed support to farmers across the country. “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will create for communities. I want to thank Troy Animal Healthcare for their support; aiding our cause through their donations and enabling us to get much needed resources to rural and regional areas,” Ms Kocks said. “The partnership aligns with our commitment to helping farmers and we believe AVENGE + FLY and the proceeds donated will make a large impact within the community.” AVENGE + FLY is a registered trade make of Troy Animal Health, contact your local Elders branch for more information.

ABOUT TROY LABORATORIES

Troy Animal Healthcare is an Australian owned company with a long history and a proven track record when it comes to servicing the needs of the animal healthcare communities in Australia, New Zealand and across the globe. Troy is a significant investor in the Animal Healthcare Industry and employs a wide range of personnel in the areas of manufacturing, quality control, warehousing, administration, sales, and marketing.

ABOUT AUSSIE HELPERS

Aussie Helpers is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping Aussie farmers, farming families and farming communities survive through the tough times. They are entirely funded through donations and sponsorships and rely on the generous network of volunteers to achieve their mission.

Craig Lyons, Marketing Manager of TROY Animal Healthcare Tash Kocks, CEO of Aussie Helpers

COMBINATION POWER

POUR-ON CONVENIENCE

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ACTIVE CONSTITUENT: 100 MG/ML MOXIDECTIN

SEASON LONG DEFENSE!1

PERSISTENT CONTROL OF CATTLE WORMS

PREMIUM CHOICE FOR

TICK MANAGEMENT

NO KNOWN EFFECT ON DUNG BEETLES

Talk to your local Elders team about HRC Moxistar Long Acting Injection for Cattle.

1 Based on a calendar season and registered label claims of Haemonchus placei and Ostertagia ostertagi.