Combinex on ewes.

[mrsmojos]

Hello -
Couple of questions - it's our first year for our ewes breeding this autumn - having had them from lambs last summer.
When they were due fluking I was told by the breeder that it was ok to use combinex on the lambs, but not on ewes (which they now are!) - having already bought a bottle of the combinex on the advice of Moles at the time - I used it, they were fine but we only have 6 badger-face and I have lots left - so is it safe to use again or not (I'm thinking belts and braces)? And if not - why not?
Thank you for your knowledge, and apologies for my lack of it!!
Lisa.

 

[neilo]

It's not dangerous to use Combinex on ewes, it's just worming them unnecessarily, which is bad practice as it will speed the development of anthelmintic resistance (and the levamisole in it already has widespread resistance, so might not worm them anyway). The SQP at Mole really shouldn't be pushing it, but they are very much sales driven unfortunately.

If I only had 6 ewes, that needed fluking, and a drum of Combinex, then I would be using it.

I assume you've not used it repeatedly since you got them?

 

[mrsmojos]

It's not dangerous to use Combinex on ewes, it's just worming them unnecessarily, which is bad practice as it will speed the development of anthelmintic resistance (and the levamisole in it already has widespread resistance, so might not worm them anyway). The SQP at Mole really shouldn't be pushing it, but they are very much sales driven unfortunately.

If I only had 6 ewes, that needed fluking, and a drum of Combinex, then I would be using it.

I assume you've not used it repeatedly since you got them?

That makes complete sense. I used it once last November but not since. I did send FECs off in the spring but the results came back as low, indicating I didn't need to worm them. Knowing that do you think I should use the combinex or chalk it up to experience and just get a fluke drench...and if so, what do you recommend?
So very glad of your advice.

 

[neilo]

That makes complete sense. I used it once last November but not since. I did send FECs off in the spring but the results came back as low, indicating I didn't need to worm them. Knowing that do you think I should use the combinex or chalk it up to experience and just get a fluke drench...and if so, what do you recommend?
So very glad of your advice.

As above, crack on and use it. Not best practice, but a lot of people will still worm all ewes pre-tupping anyway, and I'd advocate worming any young or lean ewes anyway.

If and when they need worming, make sure to get a different class of wormer though.