increase font size
The world’s first sheep worm vaccine.
THE WORLD’S first sheep worm vaccine has been released in Australia.
Barbervax protects against barber’s pole (Haemonchus contortus) giving farmers and vets a drench alternative that will limit drench resistance, says Australia’s Sheep Collaborative Research Center (Sheep CRC).
Decades of research have gone into worm vaccines but to date the only other anti-worm vaccine is against cattle lungworm.
Barbervax was developed by Scotland’s Moredun Research Institute and the Department of Agriculture and Food in Western Australia. It was launched last month in New South Wales. DAF WA’s Albany laboratory makes it and NSW rural retailer GrazAg is selling it.
Sheep CRC says it will be particularly useful where barber’s pole is endemic, where frequent drenching is usually necessary to prevent sheep deaths and where resistance has slashed drench options, such as in the NSW Tablelands.
It’s registered for use in lambs, administered by five 1ml subcutaneous injections at six-week intervals during the barber’s pole risk season.
The developers stress the first two vaccinations do not provide protection, but prime immune systems so six weeks protection is gained from third and subsequent vaccinations.
It’s envisaged initial jabs will be at lamb marking, the second three-five weeks later and the third at weaning, usually with a drench to ensure existing barber’s pole burdens, and other worms such as Trichostrongylus spp (black scour worm), are removed.
Trials show the vaccine provides 75-95% protection against barber’s pole and because pasture worm burdens remain low behind vaccinated mobs, the small percentage of sheep that do not respond to vaccination do not face the worm challenge they otherwise would.
Faecal egg counts are recommended to check barber’s pole burdens when vaccine protection is being established at the second or third injection, and periodically thereafter to ensure low counts are maintained.
Pasture planning to avoid significant barber’s pole intake, and breeding for worm resistant sheep, are also recommended.
Sheep in poor body condition or showing signs of worms may not respond fully to vaccination and may require further support, Sheep CRC warns.
A first run of 300,000 doses, enough for 60,000 lambs, has sold out.
OPINION: Your old mate hears that at a recent China Business Summit, PM Christopher Luxon delivered a none-too-subtle "could try harder" report card on the red meat industry regarding its exports to China - particularly when compared to Australia.
More Australian states are embracing virtual fencing technology, opening growth opportunities for Kiwi companies like Halter.
Fonterra says its ongoing legal battle with Australian processor Bega Cheese won’t change its divestment plans.
Farmers in the Australian state of New South Wales will soon be able to use virtual fencing and herding technology to boost farm productivity.
The vineyards at Pyramid Farm in Marlborough’s Avon Valley have never been run of the mill, with plantings that follow the natural contours of the land, 250 metres above sea level.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…
One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…
