SFF Project Summary

Sustainable Farming Fund Search Results

I am sorry, but your search for "grant number = ^06/075" matched no projects in the database , please try again.

Last updated: 22 January 2010

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