Parasite forecast - April

The Nematodirus risk has been increased to high, as eggs from last year's lambs are now likely to be at peak hatch. Lambs grazing high risk pasture (grazed by lambs last season) should be treated with white drench, as this remains effective even if this wormer group is no longer effective on your farm for other worms.

Worm egg counting will help decide whether or not treatment for other worms is necessary - start testing lambs from around 8wks old.

Lambs and calves may both be at risk from coccidiosis, particularly where reared intensively or at muddy congregation sites eg around troughs. The resultant poor weight gain may not be accompanied by diarrhoea.