Latest News

SCOPS launches Code of Practice to ensure safe and effective sheep dipping A new Code of Practice has been launched by the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group, in conjunction with the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC), to ensure access to the best advice on effective treatment of sheep scab with organophosphate (OP) sheep dip, minimising risks to users and the environment. 27th July 2021 Read More
Cross-industry letter supports SCOPS message on group 4 and 5 wormers An open letter has been issued to the UK sheep industry, encouraging producers to take up the SCOPS message and integrate the two newer wormer groups - 4-AD (orange) trade name Zolvix - and 5-SI (purple) trade name Startect - into their worm control plans. 8th July 2021 Read More
Statement from SCOPS and COWS on parasite treatments and the environment The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) and Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) principles are based on the responsible use of medicines such as anthelmintics, flukicides and ectoparasiticides. Our aim is to ensure these products are only used when necessary and ideally supported by a diagnosis or a risk assessment that confirms the need to protect animals from a genuine risk of disease. 22nd June 2021 Read More
Later-born lambs and northern facing slopes at greatest risk in very different nematodirus year The Nematodirus Forecast provided by the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group has being proving invaluable to vets, advisors and farmers, in what has been a slow-but-steady year of risk for 2021-born lambs. In stark contrast to 2019 and 2020, the much colder weather in Spring 2021, with a few warmer days in between, has meant the nematodirus hatch has not only been a bit later, but also more gradual on most farms in low ground areas, over a longer period of time. 18th May 2021 Read More
SCOPS welcomes launch of new scab initiative in England Having long suggest to Defra that a coordinated response in hotspot areas could make a real difference to farmers plagued by sheep scab, SCOPS is delighted by the annoucement that funding has been granted to a Moredun-led project in three areas of England. 7th April 2021 Read More
No need for ‘knee jerk’ reaction when triple wormer resistance is found on sheep farms Using a faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) to test for wormer resistance on farm is an important step, say the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group – but it is important not to panic if the results come back showing triple resistance. 15th March 2021 Read More
Free service for sheep farmers and advisors could reduce lamb mortality this spring As February has reminded us, the weather in early spring can fluctuate from extreme cold to warm sunshine within a few days. A cold snap followed by rapid warming can result in a sudden and significant challenge to young lambs, as nematodirus larvae hatch in large numbers. 1st March 2021 Read More
Press briefing highlights positive approaches to SCOPS principles A two-hour press briefing on Thursday 18th February gave journalists a fantastic insight into the role of SCOPS and the many exciting activities currently underway or in the pipeline. Kevin Harrison, SCOPS Chairman, said: "Thank you to everyone who attended today, and to everyone who has presented and spoken. 22nd February 2021 Read More
SCOPS urges sheep farmers to consider reducing number of ewes wormed at lambing time Worming ewes around lambing remains a common practice in UK flocks, but with most sheep farmers now aware that over-use of wormers is a major factor in the development of anthelmintic resistance, SCOPS is urging producers to think about whether they can safely reduce the number of ewes treated. 18th February 2021 Read More
Warning to cattle and sheep farmers to not let liver fluke catch them out - joint SCOPS and COWS information We are living through very strange times – and liver fluke is proving to be no exception, say the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) and Control of Cattle Parasites Sustainably (COWS) groups. There was a relatively low and later than normal challenge in many parts of the UK throughout 2020, largely due to the legacy of the dry summer in 2018 and successive dry springs in 2019 and 2020 – but more recent weather patterns mean we are now starting to see evidence of fluke infection in some parts of the country. 4th February 2021 Read More
SCOPS invites press to online briefing session PRESS INVITE: Thursday 18th February 2021. A two-hour press briefing to bring journalists up to speed on the latest successes and ongoing work in tackling internal and external sheep parasites. SCOPS is bringing together a group of farmers, advisors, vets and scientists to share with journalists and agricultural writers the most up-to-date information on sustainable parasite control. 26th January 2021 Read More
SCOPS says take the plunge……… Not a shower! The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group is today launching a campaign reminding sheep farmers, contractors and prescribers that Organophosphate (OP) can only be used as a plunge dip. Lesley Stubbings of SCOPS says: “As we go into autumn and winter the number of cases of sheep scab will increase. 19th October 2020 Read More

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