SFF Project Summary
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Last updated: 04 March 2009
Website: www.wormwise.co.nz
Project description
This project aims to provide information and tools for farmers to manage internal parasites in a sustainable manner, by running a series of national workshops as a component of the Wormwise National Worm Management Strategy.
The issue/opportunity
A number of recent surveys have shown that resistance to anthelmintic drenches is increasing, with one survey showing that two thirds of sheep farms and 94% of beef farms have shown resistance to at least one of the drench families.
Farmers currently receive conflicting information around the management of internal parasites and drench resistance and have identified the need for quality, reliable information.
A series of farmer workshops allows farmers to learn about what options are available for use on farm and what things they need be aware of to develop a management plan for their own farm.
The context/background
Anthelmintic resistance is increasing on sheep and beef farms. There has recently been a pan-industry initiative developed “Wormwise”, National Worm Management Strategy, to assist farmers sustainably manage worms on their farms by providing quality information. The strategy has been developed by farmers, vets, animal health companies and researchers. The Wormwise strategy encompasses a range of activities including providing farmers with information on current agreed principles and practise, training of farmers and support people (vets, retail staff, farm advisors), research and development, leadership and co-ordination, and communications.
Methods
An initial scoping project will be carried out to assess farmer needs and determine what information is required and how best to present it. In concept, a series of workshops will be held around the country where farmer groups interactively design a worm management programme for a 'model' farm, and have an opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification.
Latest update
Wormwise extension
In 2008 the national worm management strategy was reviewed and updated and a Wormwise national spokes person (Dr Trevor Cook) appointed. Initiatives in the revised strategy include, Faecal Egg Count Reduction Tests (FECRTs) being conducted on all Meat & Wool New Zealand Monitor Farms over 2009.
FECRTs are used to determine the level of drench resistance of internal parasites to different drench actives. The results will provide a 'snapshot' of the drench resistance status of Meat & Wool New Zealand Monitor Farms nationwide. Further to this initiative is the offer of funding to local veterinarians to subsidise FECRT on selected local sheep and beef farms. Field days will be held to demonstrate how the results of FECRT impacts on farm animal health practices.
Wormwise® material has been offered to all agricultural related tertiary institutions to assist students to learn how to minimise the impact of internal parasites in livestock.
Wormwise are promoting three key questions farmers should always ask themselves before drenching any animals:
- Do you know the levels and type of worm burden in the animals you are intending to drench?
- Do you know whether or not the drench you intend to use, is effective?
- Have you carried out a Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT)?
All drench families will be tested by these initiatives and aggregate results will be made available to farmers through M&WNZ monitor farm meetings, vet hosted discussion groups and various M&WNZ funded field days from March 2009 onwards.
To obtain a range of resources on worm management, including the Wormwise handbook on sustainable worm management, newsletters and relevant R&D briefs visit www.wormwise.co.nz, or free phone 0800 696 328 or email wormwise@meatandwoolnz.com
Update
Wormwise Extension
More than 40 Wormwise module 1 and 2 workshops have been delivered to 550 farmers and practicing veterinarians nation wide. These workshops have been based on the Wormwise handbook “Sustainable Worm Management for Livestock Farmers”. This hand book is freely available to all levy payers.
There are four types of WW workshops available for farmers, vets and key influencers:
- Module 1 - An introduction to Wormwise Principles working through the Wormwise handbook.
- Module 2 - Follow up workshops to discuss adoption methods and actions.
- Module 3 - Researcher update to farmers on request (if there sufficient numbers and interest).
- Module 4 - Course targeting veterinarians run by T Cooke and G Dodunski (Massey).
Update
In late 2007, 33 scheduled farmer/local veterinarian workshops were delivered nationwide. These workshops had an action learning focus on internal parasite management on farm.
A day workshop updating key NZ interested parties on Wormwise research and asking participants to prioritise spending was also held in February 2008.
There are four types of WW workshops available for farmers, vets and key influencers:
- Module 1 - An introduction to Wormwise principles working through the Wormwise handbook.
- Module 2 - Follow up workshops with attendees to assess and discuss adoption methods and actions.
- Module 3 - Researcher update to farmers on request (if there sufficient numbers and interest).
- Module 4 - Course targeting veterinarians run by T Cooke and G Dodunski (Massey).
In March 2008 representatives from agricultural chemical companies attended a workshop giving an overview on the Wormwise module 1 workshops. Approx 500 farmers along with 70 veterinarians and merchandisers attended these workshops.
Update
Late 2007, 33 scheduled farmer/local veterinarian workshops were delivered nationwide. These workshops had an action learning focus on internal parasite management on farm.
Representatives from agricultural chemical companies attended a workshop giving an overview on the Wormwise module 1 workshops was held in mid March 2008.
Approx 500 farmers along with 70 veterinarians and merchandisers attended these workshops.
A day workshop updating key NZ interested parties on Wormwise research and asking participants to prioritise spending was held in February 2008.
There are four types of WW workshops available for farmers, vets and key influencers:
Module 1 - An introduction to Wormwise Principles working through the Wormwise handbook.
Module 2 - Follow up workshops with attendees to assess and discuss adoption methods and actions.
Module 3 - Researcher update to farmers on request (if there sufficient numbers and interest).
Module 4 - Course targeting veterinarians run by T Cooke and G Dodunski (Massey)
Update
As at 30 October 2007 - 20 of the 31 scheduled farmer/local veterinarian work shops had been delivered nation wide. All 31 farmer workshops are expected to be delivered by 31 December 2007. On average, 15 farmers have attended each work shop.
These workshops are interactive, with an action learning focus on internal parasite management on farm. Typically local veterinarians meet with the work shop facilitators for a couple of hours in the morning and farmers attend from 1 pm onwards.
Framer workshops in two locations (Darfield and Feilding) were cancelled due to lack of interest by local farmers.
Representatives from agricultural chemical companies will be invited attend one or two workshops giving an overview on Wormwise.
