Friday, 30 August 2024 09:55

Tests show drench resistance on farm trending upwards

Written by  Staff Reporters
Collecting FEC samples in Southland. Collecting FEC samples in Southland.

At least one in three Kiwi sheep farms has triple drench resistance, according to the latest drench efficacy testing undertaken by Techion.

The company which helps farmers manage parasites in animals, says the sheep industry’s reliance on drenches to deal with parasites is the reason a growing group of farmers are facing the failure of their drenches.

The company which helps farmers manage parasites in animals, says the sheep industry’s reliance on drenches to deal with parasites is the reason a growing group of farmers are facing the failure of their drenches.

It wants farmers to integrate alternative parasite management approaches and move beyond relying solely on drenches to deal with the parasite problem.

A further analysis of data estimates the production cost to the sheep industry at $110 million annually – equating to around $70,000/property for farmers unknowingly using ineffective drench.

Every year Techion does more than 50,000 FEC (faecal egg count) tests at its Mosgiel laboratory and its network of FECPAK users, including FECRT (faecal egg count reduction test) tests through its DrenchSmart service.

Results for the first seven months of 2024 showed that triple drenches (BZ/Lev/Aba) were failing on 34% of New Zealand sheep farms. Other common drench options fared no better: BZ/Lev combinations failed on 47% of properties, while Lev/Aba combinations failed on 39% of properties tested.

Techion founder and managing director Greg Mirams says that another significantly worrying trend in this year’s results is that some drenches are showing signs of diminished efficacy on a growing number of properties.

Techion claims that, until now, the newer novel active drenches, such as those containing Monepantel and Derquantel, have been considered the gold standard for quarantine drenching or as effective options in cases where farmers have widespread drench resistance.

Compounding this issue, these novel actives are expensive and, at times, challenging to source. Without access to effective drenches, farmers have limited options to preserve animal health and flock performance if drenching is the primary tool in their farm’s parasite management toolbox, it says.

FEC Test Result FBTW

Result of a faecal egg count test.

“As access to effective drenches reduces, integrated parasite management strategies are essential to safeguard the future of animal health and performance," Mirams says.

“With a one in three chance of new stock coming from a farm with triple resistance, it is essential farmers’ quarantine procedures are effective. By undertaking FEC testing following a quarantine drench, farmers can gain comfort that imported animals are not passing resistant parasites onto their property.

“Beyond the quarantine procedure, farmers need to take control of their parasites by educating themselves on alternative parasite management options related to their operation. The key is the ability to monitor FEC levels and the implementation of integrated parasite management strategies.

“At a time when the farming sector is facing low returns, being able to manage farm costs is vital. Paying for and using drenches without checking they are working could be wasting time and money. The most critical step is to know what you are dealing with, which begins by investing in a FECRT test to ensure that the drenches being purchased are effective,” he says.

More like this

Sensors may aid early detection

A Research programme supported by Beef+Lamb NZ is investigating the potential of ‘accelerometer’ sensors for early detection of conditions such as facial eczema (FE) in sheep.

Understanding udder health

Last month we talked about why dry cow management is critical, though often overlooked. This month I wanted to dive further into the dry period’s importance to udder health.

Farmer input needed to combat FE

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on livestock farmers to take part in a survey measuring the financial impact of facial eczema (FE).

Featured

Pāmu farm opens gate to urban visitors

For many urban New Zealanders, stepping into Pāmu’s Pinta dairy farm near Taupo last month was the first time they had had the chance to experience farm life up close.

Afimilk appoints new general manager

Afimilk, a global dairy farm management solutions provider, has appointed Justin Miller as the new general manager for New Zealand and Australia.

National

Machinery & Products

Alpego eyes electric power harrow

Distributed by OriginAg in New Zealand, Italian manufacturer Alpego recently showed its three metre Alysium electric power harrow at the…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Dodgy!

OPINION: If you believe Maori Party president John Tamihere’s claim that “nothing dodgy” occurred at Manurewa Marae during the last…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter