Parasite Forecast - December/January

Sheep:
The liver fluke risk has been low all season, but this will vary from farm to farm.  Now is an excellent time to test, as infestation will be readily detectable on both bloods AND faecal samples.  Tests are reliable and cost-effective - test don't guess!
Scab (mite) and louse infestations can become a problem in sheep flocks over the autumn and winter months, typically from September-April. Whilst the signs of scab and louse infestations are similar, treatment is different, so correct diagnosis is important.  Scab mites can be hard to detect, but a very reliable blood test is available - sampling 12 sheep in a group of any size will confirm whether or not scab is present within the group.
Even during winter, worms can continue to be a problem, due to heavy pasture contamination and resistance to wormers.  If you still have last season's lambs hanging around, worm egg counts and drench checks are strongly advised.

Cattle:
At housing, the main categories of parasite to consider are roundworms, liver fluke and ectoparasites (lice and mites).
Try to target parasites known to be a problem, rather than give blanket treatment for everything.
Young cattle that have grazed on pastures used by other cattle during the last 12 months are likely to be at risk of roundworms. Encysted larvae of Ostertagia may also be a problem and a group 3 ML will cover for both of these.
This year is relatively low risk for liver fluke, but consider your own farm history and test if in any doubt. Consider treatment for heavier infestations of mites or lice.