Forecasting parasitic gastroenteritis in lambs

Incorporating estimated temperature data and assuming non-limiting rainfall, a simulation model was used to compare forecast and actual pasture counts of sheep nematode larvae over a 2-year period. The results indicate that the first possible date of the summer larval rise can be predicted up to 6 weeks in advance of its actual occurrence, enabling control measures to be planned and implemented. Rainfall variation had a marked effect on the degree of disparity between the predicted and actual timing of the rise, indicating the importance of this factor.