Welcome to SheepTRAX
Drench Resistance
Most sheep properties in Australia have resistant worms to one or more sheep drenches, 96% to white (BZ) drenches, 96% to clear (LEV) drenches and 87% to Ivermectin (ML) drenches1. Using an effective sheep drench to control your worms is key to a productive sheep flock.
Currently, resistance to many of the active ingredients in sheep drenches in Australia is common. Resistance is classified as efficacy less than 95% (% reduction in worms). Drench resistance is either created on your own farm or introduced when purchasing sheep (ewes, weaner lambs or rams). Even stray sheep may be the source of drench resistant worms.
When choosing a drench to use on your farm, Wormboss (wormboss.com.au) recommends 3 principles:
- Use the most effective drench for your property
- Use an effective combination of two or more drench groups
- Use short acting treatments and restrict the use of persistent products for specific purposes and high worm-risk times of year
What is SheepTRAX?
SheepTRAX is designed to assist Australian Sheep producers by showing the prevalence and geographical distribution of drench resistance. The data within SheepTRAX has been gathered from hundreds of on-farm drench resistance tests (FECRT) across all sheep producing areas in Australia. Sheep producers are able to use this data and website to;
- Improve knowledge of drench resistance
- Assist in making an informed decision of what drenches to use
- Assist in understanding the likelihood of resistance worms in purchased sheep.
SheepTRAX aims to help put research behind your drench selection, and therefore help maximise your return from your drench investment.
Please note:
This information does not predict the drench resistance found on your property or within a specific mob of sheep but is designed to provide awareness. It is recommended that every farm undertakes their own FECRT every 2-5 years to monitor the drench resistance status or at least perform regular Drench Checks.
All new sheep should be given a Quarantine drench (containing 4 actives, with one of the actives being a new class) which should be administered before or upon arrival on-farm. After drenching keep all animals in a confined area with good access to feed (hay) and water for 24 hours prior to entering the paddock. It is recommended that the confinement area be fully tilled or spelled for 6 months before reuse.