Monaro Winter Worm Risk Outlook 2024

The average worm egg count through this year’s Autumn on the Monaro is 442epg. The long term average through Autumn is 338. A large factor in the above average WEC’s is likely the high percentage of Barbers Pole, averaging 77% with the long term average being 63%. The above average temperatures will have allowed Barbers Pole to be active for longer than normal causing high reinfection in susceptible sheep. As we head into Winter, we can expect Small Brown Stomach Worm and Black Scour Worm to become more active, Barbers Pole larvae that has already hatched can survive freezing conditions although new eggs stop developing below 10 degrease. Effective drenching at the start of winter is critical in limiting worm pressure in the following spring.