ON FARM SHEEP HEALTH AND WELFAREZ Control lice with surveillance and ‘social distancing’ Lice are a costly problem for lice treatments is only a matter of weeks. sheep producers but they “Treating speculatively doesn’t can be controlled through replace the need for strict, ongoing regular surveillance and surveillance,” he said. good farm biosecurity. “It also unnecessarily increases chemical While the biggest impact of sheep residues in your wool, which may limit lice is fleece damage in Merinos, marketing options, and may contribute Tasmanian livestock consultant and to pesticide resistance.” former ParaBoss* Technical Committee *ParaBoss is a not‑for‑profit organisation, member Paul Nilon said lousy flocks funded by MLA and Australian Wool face control costs and reduced Innovation and coordinated by the marketing options, regardless of breed. University of New England with industry “Lice infestation can easily reduce fleeceoversight. ParaBoss coordinates weights by up to one kilogram, but the WormBoss, FlyBoss and LiceBoss. ■ critical thing is the fleece derangement caused by rubbing and pulling,” Paul Nilon Tasmanian livestock consultant and Paul said. E: pandonilon@bigpond.com veterinarian Paul Nilon. “This destroys the value of your clip – it may well be halved if lice are left unchecked. Six steps toa lice‑freeflock “There’s also the impact on your re are six practical tips to prevent and manage lice: trading options. No one wants to buy He lousy sheep.” 1. Develop a lice biosecurity plan − whether to do a long-wool for your property. The LiceBoss knockdown treatment to carry In rare cases, lice infestations can be website has guidelines. through to normal shearing time so extreme they affect animal health 2. Use the Sheep Health Statement – − which chemical group is most and welfare. appropriate if it shows there have been recent Manage contact lice treatments, ask why. If the − how to respond if the infested Social distancing isn’t just important vendor is not prepared to tell sheep are pregnant or have during global pandemics – almost all you why they had to treat for lice, lambs at foot. new lice infestations begin from contact either discount the sheep heavily 5. The biggest contributor to with infested sheep, so it’s a good place or don’t buy them. If possible, lousicide efficacy failure is poor to start to prevent lice. inspect sheep before purchase. product application so make When introducing sheep to your sure you’re doing it properly. The “If you want to be lice-free, you need property, inspect, quarantine and a good lice biosecurity plan which LiceBoss website has treatment monitor them. guidelines for a range of prevents contact with infested sheep,” Paul said. 3. Monitor wool for signs of rubbing applications, including back-lining, and fleece derangement. The dipping and jetting. Producers who can’t realistically aim to LiceBoss website has a guide to 6. Seek professional advice be lice-free – for example, lamb traders monitoring sheep for lice. on treatment and control and producers with large bush blocks 4. If lice are detected, consider your options and always inform your where it’s hard to get a clean muster – individual situation when selecting neighbours if you do find lice on should aim for proactive surveillance a treatment. Use the LiceBoss your property. ■ and have a plan to manage incursions. Treatment Guide to help with Paul recommends only treating for lice decisions such as: ParaBoss if they’ve been detected (with some − what portion of your flock paraboss.com.au exceptions for high-risk situations). to treat LiceBoss Treating after every shearing, even − whether to do a premature liceboss.com.au if sheep don’t have any signs of shearing of all or part of infestation, is an unnecessary expense the flock, followed by an and creates a false sense of security as off-shears treatment residual protection provided by most 22