WA farmer finds strategic drenching is the key to cattle worm eradication.
Announcement posted by Virbac Australia Pty Ltd 17 Sep 2018
Internal parasite infestation is the single most important disease faced by Australia’s red meat producers – and for Western Australia, the most damaging worm parasite is the brown stomach worm (Ostertagia ostertagi). Infestation is a particular issue for the region’s wetter south-western areas and on cattle-only properties, and with worms being present in most herds, they can dramatically reduce growth rates, especially in young cattle.
The brown stomach worm is particularly prevalent during the winter months, with larvae numbers peaking between May and July. Following higher levels of autumn rainfall, eggs in freshly deposited dung can rapidly increase worm larvae, and the extra worm burden results in a check in growth rates and financially damaging production losses.
Cattle showing symptoms of brown stomach worm have ‘ostertagiosis’, and its presence is often signified by symptoms like diarrhoea, reduced appetite and anorexia. With MLA estimates suggesting that effective control of Ostertagia can increase the sale weight of weaners by up to 60 kg[1], the eradication of worm parasites is clearly a financial concern, as well as being an animal health and welfare issue.
Dr Matthew Ball, veterinarian of 18 years and Technical Services Manager for animal health company Virbac Australia describes some of the key measures farmers should undertake to prevent worm infection. “Firstly, it’s important to know which types of worms occur on your farm, and the seasons where they pose the highest risk, so you can arm yourself with the knowledge to more effectively combat worms on your property.” He also says that it’s important to regularly monitor the worm status of livestock, especially for higher risk stock like weaners during high risk seasons. Improving their nutrition will also make them better able to fight off a parasite infestation, he reveals.
“Next, a quarantine drenching of all new arrivals should be an essential component of your biosecurity plan,” continues Matthew. “When you’re purchasing stock, it’s also a good idea to request an animal health statement. That way you’re clear on the stock vendor’s level of assurance concerning their disease status.” Good grazing management is key, and young animals (who are most vulnerable to worms) should be allocated the lowest contaminated pastures. Finally, he says, strategic drenches at key times of year can make a huge difference.
For WA farmers Ryan and Elisha Willing, who run 2,500 hectares 130 km east of Esperance, strategic drenching has been pivotal in their efforts to eradicate worms. As Ryan explains, worms have been a particular problem for their livestock, and their perennial pastures have made their 900 Black Angus breeders and 900 calves more susceptible to ongoing issues with parasite burdens like worms. “Unfortunately, we have pretty much every kind of worm here,” says Ryan.
After reading about Cydectin Long Acting Injection for Cattle six years ago, he immediately began using it as part of his strategic drenching program. “Initially I did a small trial with a control group, and I saw a significant growth rate difference. Since then I’ve used it across the board with all my stock.”
The product is known for its unbeatable potency and persistency, and it provides the longest protection available against a range of internal and external parasites, including worms. No other endectocide can match Cydectin LA Injectable for lasting control of roundworms (protects for 112 days against Ostertagia), cattle ticks, lice and mites, all without influencing the development of immunity against worms.
In an added bonus, Cydectin has no known effect on dung beetles, demonstrated to have no impact on larvae or adult beetle emergence – which means it contributes to cleaner pastures without impacting the role of this important agricultural ecosystem.
Ryan describes how his property’s treatment program operates at key moments, twice per year, beginning during weaning in December, which Ryan says is when calves often pick up worms from their mothers. “They’re also going into a high-stress environment after weaning, so this is an important time to gain greater control over their health.”
Essentially, treatment during this time prevents larvae developing to adult worms, and a single summer injection with Cydectin LA can greatly inhibit worm contamination. “We use head baling for Cydectin,” he reports, “which is perhaps a bit more time consuming than pour-on, but it’s really not that hard, just a simple injection behind the ear and you’re done.”
Ryan’s livestock are again treated in May, as they move into winter. “This together with the first treatment in December is normally sufficient to protectthem through the entire 12 month cycle,” he says. “The best thing about Cydectin LA is that it offers a long-acting, long control period, which is very important for our young cattle, as that’s when they’re growing the hardest. They need all the help they can get at this time, particularly as they’re grazing on tight green pastures during summer.”
Ryan says the results with Cydectin have been phenomenal. “We’ve seen fantastic growth rates in our young animals, and also great conception rates amongst our heifers. For me Cydectin LA is one very important part of the big picture – which is keeping the animals healthy, and keeping their growth rate optimal. Our animals just look healthier, their coats are shinier and that’s even been commented on by our suppliers and customers.”
Treating for worms at the right time, with the right product will maximise the return on investment – so Virbac Australia recommends using Cydectin LA Injectable when conditions favour them most, particularly during wet conditions. For Technical Services Manager Dr Matthew Ball, this kind of careful, considered approach is fundamental for success. “A strategic worm control program at key moments during the year will effectively reduce the impact of worms, eradicating them from cattle while also minimising the levels of infective worm larvae on pasture. It really is the best form of defense against this potentially devastating disease.”
To find out why there’s nothing like Cydectin LA, farmers are encouraged to talk to their local rural supplier. For more information, visit au.virbac.com.
Ends
Media Enquiries:
Kate Munsie - C7EVEN COMMUNICATIONS
(02) 6766 4513
kate.munsie@c7even.com.au
Photo captions:
The brown stomach worm is particularly prevalent during the winter months, with larvae numbers peaking between May and July. Following higher levels of autumn rainfall, eggs in freshly deposited dung can rapidly increase worm larvae, and the extra worm burden results in a check in growth rates and financially damaging production losses.
Cattle showing symptoms of brown stomach worm have ‘ostertagiosis’, and its presence is often signified by symptoms like diarrhoea, reduced appetite and anorexia. With MLA estimates suggesting that effective control of Ostertagia can increase the sale weight of weaners by up to 60 kg[1], the eradication of worm parasites is clearly a financial concern, as well as being an animal health and welfare issue.
Dr Matthew Ball, veterinarian of 18 years and Technical Services Manager for animal health company Virbac Australia describes some of the key measures farmers should undertake to prevent worm infection. “Firstly, it’s important to know which types of worms occur on your farm, and the seasons where they pose the highest risk, so you can arm yourself with the knowledge to more effectively combat worms on your property.” He also says that it’s important to regularly monitor the worm status of livestock, especially for higher risk stock like weaners during high risk seasons. Improving their nutrition will also make them better able to fight off a parasite infestation, he reveals.
“Next, a quarantine drenching of all new arrivals should be an essential component of your biosecurity plan,” continues Matthew. “When you’re purchasing stock, it’s also a good idea to request an animal health statement. That way you’re clear on the stock vendor’s level of assurance concerning their disease status.” Good grazing management is key, and young animals (who are most vulnerable to worms) should be allocated the lowest contaminated pastures. Finally, he says, strategic drenches at key times of year can make a huge difference.
For WA farmers Ryan and Elisha Willing, who run 2,500 hectares 130 km east of Esperance, strategic drenching has been pivotal in their efforts to eradicate worms. As Ryan explains, worms have been a particular problem for their livestock, and their perennial pastures have made their 900 Black Angus breeders and 900 calves more susceptible to ongoing issues with parasite burdens like worms. “Unfortunately, we have pretty much every kind of worm here,” says Ryan.
After reading about Cydectin Long Acting Injection for Cattle six years ago, he immediately began using it as part of his strategic drenching program. “Initially I did a small trial with a control group, and I saw a significant growth rate difference. Since then I’ve used it across the board with all my stock.”
The product is known for its unbeatable potency and persistency, and it provides the longest protection available against a range of internal and external parasites, including worms. No other endectocide can match Cydectin LA Injectable for lasting control of roundworms (protects for 112 days against Ostertagia), cattle ticks, lice and mites, all without influencing the development of immunity against worms.
In an added bonus, Cydectin has no known effect on dung beetles, demonstrated to have no impact on larvae or adult beetle emergence – which means it contributes to cleaner pastures without impacting the role of this important agricultural ecosystem.
Ryan describes how his property’s treatment program operates at key moments, twice per year, beginning during weaning in December, which Ryan says is when calves often pick up worms from their mothers. “They’re also going into a high-stress environment after weaning, so this is an important time to gain greater control over their health.”
Essentially, treatment during this time prevents larvae developing to adult worms, and a single summer injection with Cydectin LA can greatly inhibit worm contamination. “We use head baling for Cydectin,” he reports, “which is perhaps a bit more time consuming than pour-on, but it’s really not that hard, just a simple injection behind the ear and you’re done.”
Ryan’s livestock are again treated in May, as they move into winter. “This together with the first treatment in December is normally sufficient to protectthem through the entire 12 month cycle,” he says. “The best thing about Cydectin LA is that it offers a long-acting, long control period, which is very important for our young cattle, as that’s when they’re growing the hardest. They need all the help they can get at this time, particularly as they’re grazing on tight green pastures during summer.”
Ryan says the results with Cydectin have been phenomenal. “We’ve seen fantastic growth rates in our young animals, and also great conception rates amongst our heifers. For me Cydectin LA is one very important part of the big picture – which is keeping the animals healthy, and keeping their growth rate optimal. Our animals just look healthier, their coats are shinier and that’s even been commented on by our suppliers and customers.”
Treating for worms at the right time, with the right product will maximise the return on investment – so Virbac Australia recommends using Cydectin LA Injectable when conditions favour them most, particularly during wet conditions. For Technical Services Manager Dr Matthew Ball, this kind of careful, considered approach is fundamental for success. “A strategic worm control program at key moments during the year will effectively reduce the impact of worms, eradicating them from cattle while also minimising the levels of infective worm larvae on pasture. It really is the best form of defense against this potentially devastating disease.”
To find out why there’s nothing like Cydectin LA, farmers are encouraged to talk to their local rural supplier. For more information, visit au.virbac.com.
Ends
Media Enquiries:
Kate Munsie - C7EVEN COMMUNICATIONS
(02) 6766 4513
kate.munsie@c7even.com.au
Photo captions:
- Elisha and Ryan Willing
- Ryan Willing treating with Cydectin LA Injection for Cattle
[1] The MLA Cattle Parasite Atlas (2005)