Sheep (using closantel-based flukicides)
Some of the anthelmintic treatments for sheep can be readily integrated into the WormKill and DrenchPlan programs.
Closantel is effective against Haemonchus as well as liver fluke. It was a cornerstone of the original WormKill program (1984) before widespread resistance of Haemonchus appeared in northern NSW (1990s). The drug is effective against young mature fluke aged about six to eight weeks, but has reduced effect on early immature fluke populations. This lower efficacy against early immature fluke is more pronounced where closantel resistance in immature F. hepatica has emerged. The closantel plus oxfendazole combination has good synergistic efficacy against susceptible fluke aged four weeks and can be successfully used against triclabendazole-resistant fluke.