Drench Resistance

A closer look at drench resistance in dairy systems highlights how rapidly conventional parasite control methods are becoming less effective and why farmers need to take a more strategic approach. WormWise programme manager and veterinarian Ginny Dodunski unpacks the latest data and on-farm observations, explaining what drench resistance is, how it develops over time, and why it can remain hidden until it starts affecting animal performance.

Drench resistance has plagued sheep farmers for years. Mary Bowron from Wormwise stresses that with an estimated one in three farms facing triple drench resistance, this could mean losses of around $80,000 annually. Words Mary Bowron.

Drench resistance is already a widespread problem in the sheep industry, so how can dairy farmers stay ahead of the game, to avoid the same fate? Regular testing and monitoring are the keys to staying ahead, according to our guests in this episode, who discuss the tools and technology available to farmers right now.

Practices that dramatically lower ingested worm numbers in cattle are vital if the reliance on drench is to be reduced. The rapid rise in triple drench resistance in the national sheep flock is a warning. Anne Lee reports.