In the New England area of NSW, the first field case of Barber's Pole worm resistance to the drug ivermectin has just been reported. This is a major cause for concern for woolgrowers in the region, as Barber's Pole worms are also resistant to the other main drug, closantel. The research shows that sheep selected for resistance to Barber 's Pole do not need to be drenched with drugs.
Graziers can then select rams that are worm resistant for use in their breeding programs.
The research has shown egg counts can be halved in a flock after three to four generations of selection, and graziers may be able to stop drenching their sheep altogether after 12-15 years of such a selection program .