Top tips to treat lice this season

 

In this article find key highlights on the importance of biosecurity, correct use of chemicals and chemical resistance this year for preventing and controlling lice.

Identify the problem and biosecurity

Early detection is key - careful inspection of all new animals onto your property (purchased or agisted) and regular monitoring for lice is essential. Animals that are rubbing are your target - as rubbing can be due to several causes it is important to see lice on your stock.

A well-designed lice biosecurity plan is critical. The two main things to consider are stock proof fences (consider double fencing boundaries with laneways) and isolation and quarantine for all new arrivals. Visit LiceBoss Sheep lice—biosecurity can prevent introduction, for guidelines to develop an effective biosecurity plan on your property.

 

Things to consider when deciding on the best treatment for your flock

For successful control it is important to understand the correct application method for your situation, correct dose rates and truly understanding chemical groups not just branding.

The choice of application method is dictated by two main factors:

• • The chemical group to be used - some can only be applied with a particular method.
  • Suitable equipment - existing equipment found on many farms does not deliver the chemical treatment effectively. For example, shower dips can be problematic as they do not get the animals wet to the skin.

Follow these links for more information on the methods for application

• • Backliners
  • Plunge and cage dipping
  • Shower dipping.
  • Long wool treatments  

 

Understanding your chemicals actives

Chemical resistance is a huge threat to our industry. To preserve your chemicals, you need to understand what chemicals you are using and how you are using them. Here are a few tips to consider this season:

• Treat every animal on your farm.
• It is important to firstly weigh a portion of the flock and read all label instructions carefully to ensure that the correct dose rate is applied to each animal.
• Under treating animals based on their body weight can result in lice remaining and the development of chemical resistance.

The most important things to know is WHAT CHEMICAL GROUP are you treating with. The brand can’t tell you this. It is important to read the label carefully and identify the chemical active you are using. Then ROTATE the chemical active group every time you treat.

 

ROTATE THE CHEMICAL ACTIVE GROUP NOT THE BRAND NAME!

 

Talk to your advisor about the lice treatment you wish to choose to ensure that you are using a different active to what you are using for your fly treatment this year. Remember the same actives can be found in lice and fly treatments.  Using the same is the equivalent to not rotating active groups.