Sheep Lice Treatment Comparison Guide for WA Farmers

Extinosad | Exilice | Eradicator | Sheep Lice Control

Product Comparison Overview

Staff Reference – Sheep Lice Treatment Comparison
Off-Shears Pour-On Products | Extinosad | Exilice | Eradicator

Choosing the right sheep lice treatment depends on resistance history, shearing schedules, wool withholding periods, export slaughter intervals, and mob bodyweight. This guide compares Elanco Extinosad, Abbey Exilice, and Zoetis Eradicator to help producers make informed treatment decisions.

Sheep Lice Treatment Comparison Table

Key Differences Between Sheep Lice Treatments

Elanco Extinosad

Extinosad uses Spinosad with a unique mode of action, making it highly effective against SP-resistant and IGR-resistant lice strains. It is also registered for long wool use and approved for organic systems.

Key benefits include:

• NIL wool withholding period
• 21-day ESI
• Long wool registration
• Water-based formulation
• 6-month lice-free guarantee
• Ideal resistance rotation partner

Extinosad is often the preferred option for producers needing quick market turnaround or dealing with resistance issues.

Abbey Exilice

Abbey Exilice uses Imidacloprid and is designed as an economical off-shears treatment option.

Important considerations include:

• 2-month wool WHP
• 63-day ESI
• Off-shears use only
• PPE required during application

Exilice may suit producers seeking a lower-cost treatment where resistance concerns are not severe.

Zoetis Eradicator

Zoetis Eradicator is another Imidacloprid-based treatment offering competitive cost-per-head performance, particularly in heavier sheep.

Highlights include:

• Lowest cost for heavier mobs
• 63-day ESI
• 6-month wool WHP
• Off-shears application only

Eradicator may be suitable for budget-conscious operations managing heavier sheep weights.

Important Questions Before Choosing a Sheep Lice Treatment

The guide recommends asking these three questions before selecting a product:

1. Have you had a treatment fail before?

Resistance issues may indicate the need for Extinosad due to its different mode of action.

2. When are you next shearing – and are you selling soon?

Wool withholding periods and ESIs vary significantly between products and can affect sale timing.

3. What is the typical bodyweight of the mob?

Dose rates and cost per head increase with bodyweight, especially for imidacloprid products.

Final Recommendations

Extinosad is the strongest option for resistance management, long wool treatment, organic systems, and fast market turnaround.

Exilice and Eradicator remain cost-effective choices for standard off-shears lice eradication programs where resistance pressure is lower.

Always read and follow label directions and confirm current withholding periods and ESI requirements before treatment.