A LEADING sheep vet has warned producers not to overuse Zolvix.
Zolvix, based on the active ingredient monepantel, which was launched last week in Australia by Novartis Animal Health, is the latest drench in the fight against worms.
But University of Melbourne veterinary consultant Stuart Barber warned overuse could lead to "resistance developing as fast as it had in other drenches".
Dr Barber told producers at a Meat and Livestock Australia forum in Hamilton last week they should be drench-resistance testing their sheep.
He called for producers to change their management and plan their drenching programs around worm tests.
This should be done before they start using new products, he said.
Dr Barber said only about 10 per cent of producers had completed a drench-resistance test.
"It's now a really good chance for producers to take the step to find out what resistance they currently have, before the new product comes out, rather than just going 'we won't worry' and just start using it," he said.
Producers who conducted a resistance test may find they could continue to use a white drench, a mixture, or need to use the new product.
"If they do a test, they can make a decision based on evidence," Dr Barber said. He said it was easier to do resistance tests when producers sought the help of a consultant and tests should be done every three years.
"If people start using Zolvix, we will see resistance coming up to that in the same time (frame), as we saw with other products," he said.
