Haemonchus Dipstick

Barbers Pole work (Haemonchus Contortus) is a blood-feeding parasite of the abomasum of sheep. Its ability to reproduce at a rapid rate by laying many eggs and its fast lifecycle means disease outbreaks can occur rapidly in a mob, resulting in cases of severe anaemia and sudden death.

The Haemonchus Dipstick Test was developed by the Australian Sheep Industry Co-operative Research Centre (Sheep CRC) as s decision support tool to help decide when to drench for Barber's Pole worm. The test detects blood in sheep faeces to identify whether Barber's Pole is present, and to help determine the level of infection and damage being caused.

Test Procedure
The Haemonchus Dipstick Test is conducted on dung samples pooled from ten to twenty fresh dung pats. Following dilution and a boiling step, the sample is tested with a reagent strip. The amount of colour change that occurs is read on a scale calibrated to different infection levels (see instruction card for full details - download below).

Important Notes
Many factors must be considered when deciding to drench for Barber's Pole worm, including:

Season
The region in which your property is located
Recent rainfall and climate
Class of sheep
Previous pasture use
Length of time on pasture
Worm egg count results, etc.

The Haemonchus Dipstick Test is another element in the decision making process. It is not a 'stand-alone' test.

The test should be used regularly (weekly) in high risk periods, but may be used less frequently (fortnightly or monthly) when conditions are less favourable for Barber's Pole worm disease.

As the test is not a direct test (it measures blood in the faeces, not actual worm numbers) the results should be interpreted with reference to trends in test results conducted over the preceding weeks.

Keep a diary of test results, and consider drenching when a sudden rise in score is seen.

Reading the Dipstick
Follow the test instructions carefully, paying particular attention to the timings for each step in the test process. The diagram in the instruction leaflet (available for download below) shows how the test scores are read.

Test Results
The following interpretations for each score are intended as a guide only. Trends in test results collected over several weeks should be considered for each mob tested.

* Please note - 0.5 must be added to the test score if the dung samples being tested are soft or runny.

Score = 1
- Low level of blood in dung, and low level of infection
- Retest at next planned time depending on season etc.

Score = 2 - 2.5
- Higher level but may be normal for the mob
- Retest in one week

Score = 3 - 3.5
- High level of blood in dung
- Expect significant level of disease in mob
- Treat with an effective drench eg. Genesis Xtra

Score = 4 +
- Severe disease/deaths likely to occur
- Immediate treatment required with effective drench eg. Genesis Xtra

Retesting
Wait for two weeks after drenching. Affected mobs may have high scores for one to two weeks post drenching. If you are unsure of the Barber's Pole infection status of your sheep despite using the test, send samples to the lab for a worm egg count.

Storage of test strips
Test strips must be stored in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate. Keep the desiccant sachet inside the container. Do not use damp fingers to remove the test strips from the container. Replace the lid immediately after removing a test strip. Test strips should be a bright yellow colour. Dull or discoloured strips may not give reliable results.

Contact Ancare Technical Services on 1800 001 973 if you need further information or help with the Haemonchus Dipstick Test.
(This information was provided by Ancare Australia Pty Ltd.)

Haemonchus Dipstick

Download

Download