Monaro Winter Worm Risk Outlook 2023

As we come into winter worm egg development on the pasture is likely to reduce significantly however, larvae that are already hatched can lie dormant and viable even in freezing conditions. This poses significant risk for the following spring. If stock have worms, an effective drench now will increase natural immunity allowing stock to better cope with the cooler weather. The likelihood of worm reinfection is low over winter however an outbreak over winter can have significant effect on production, so it is highly advisable sheep are worm tested every 6-8 weeks. Statistically in sheep the average WEC over winter in the Monaro is 189epg. We are likely to see an increase in Small Brown Stomach Worm and Black Scour Worm and a decrease in Barbers Pole Worm activity.