Current programmes

B+LNZ Wormwise programme

The B+LNZ Wormwise programme provides farmers with the latest knowledge and techniques to manage worms effectively and sustainably and minimise drench resistance issues. It also aims to lift productivity and the welfare of livestock.

Wormwise does not contain recipes or programmes for drench use. These should be developed once you understand your farm’s resistance status, with help from a competent advisor. Worm management should focus on the farm system and nutrition first – drench should not be the main means of managing worm challenge.

Wormwise was formed in 2005 and is solely funded by B+LNZ. We work in partnership with DairyNZ, DINZ, MPI, Animal and Plant Health NZ and the New Zealand Veterinary Association.  

Follow Wormwise on Facebook for regular, seasonal worm management updates, and keep an eye on your B+LNZ e-Diary for Wormwise workshops in your region.

web footer showing partner logos
illustration of worms in cow and sheep

Worms 101

The lifecycle of most gut worms is the same and understanding this helps with decision-making around grazing and drenching – as does understanding patterns of what worm species predominate where, when and in which stock classes.

illustrated image of stock grazing

Worms in your farm system

Levels of worm challenge to stock is strongly influenced by stock policies and nutrition, and by forage type. Grazing management and integration of different stock classes can be used to reduce worm challenge to susceptible stock. 

illustrated image representing drenching

Drenching

Many worms are developing the ability to tolerate the chemicals that once killed them – this is known as drench resistance. Find out about testing for resistance, and drench use strategies that slow down the development of resistance, including refugia and quarantine drenching.

illustrated image representing worm diagnostics

Worm diagnostics

Faecal egg counts, larval cultures and other diagnostic methods can be used to assess the level of worm infestation in stock, and whether drench treatments have been effective.

image of illustrated computer and papers

Research papers and additional tools

The Wormwise Handbook and other B+LNZ parasite management tools, and a list of scientific literature for those who really like to delve into the detail.