Latest News

Liver Fluke 2020 Sheep farmers advised to use blood testing before treating this autumn Test before you treat sheep for liver fluke this autumn This year has highlighted that there is no typical year for fluke. With a very dry spring in some regions followed by a wet summer, the timing of peak fluke risk this year could be different from normal and different across the country. 14th September 2020 Read More
Advice on autumn liver fluke control in sheep and cattle for RAMAs and Veterinarians. Changing practice may be the best way As fluke risk can vary considerably from year to year, between regions and even between neighbouring farms, every farm needs to be considered individually. We strongly advise RAMAs and Veterinarians to recommend diagnostic testing for liver fluke before treating. 14th September 2020 Read More
Updated SCOPS Technical Manual now available The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group is delighted to announce that its newly updated Internal Parasites Technical Manual is now available online. It is presented in a new format, which allows access to all sections using a navigation tree, including links to additional documents. 1st September 2020 Read More
Drug resistant parasites cost European livestock industry millions each year A major new international research study has estimated that parasitic worms cost the European livestock industry more than €1.8 billion per year, with drug-resistance costing at least €38 million per year in production losses and treatment costs.  The study can support the identification of livestock sectors and regions where the largest losses occur and inform control programmes and research policies at national and European level. 10th August 2020 Read More
Sheep industry experts come together to urge action with an open letter. "We would like to bring to your attention advice from the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group regarding the use of the two newer wormer groups (4-AD orange (Zolvix™) and 5-SI purple Startect). Use of these two newer groups has more than doubled in the last three years since their reclassification to POM-VPS. 29th June 2020 Read More
Weaning lambs - Watch out for worms! With grazing under pressure in many parts of the country following a very dry spring, many sheep farmers are looking at weaning lambs earlier than normal. ‘Normally most lambs are weaned between about 12 and 16 weeks of age, but this can be brought down to 8-10 weeks given the right circumstances’ says Lesley Stubbings. 11th June 2020 Read More
Business as usual for Liver Fluke Last winter may have seen a relatively low incidence of fluke across the UK, but there are still individual farms reporting problems with chronic fluke in sheep warn SCOPS/COWS experts. Time to remain vigilant for fluke despite COVID-19 Whilst the UK may be on lockdown due to COVID-19, livestock farmers are warned that liver fluke is carrying on as normal. 12th May 2020 Read More
TIck Numbers Surge in Southern England Sheep farmers need to be on their guard as reports of a surge in tick numbers are seen in the south of England, with large numbers being seen on lambs on some farms. Click here for more information on ticks.     21st April 2020 Read More
Nematodirus forecasting tool proving invaluable. The risk of nematodirus is likely to be extremely variable this season across the country and the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) nematodirus forecasting tool is proving to be an invaluable method of checking the risk to lambs this spring. 27th March 2020 Read More
Invaluable parasite forecasting tool relaunched With the mild, wet winter set to result in an extremely variable challenge to young lambs from nematodirus across the country, the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) nematodirus forecasting tool will yet again prove an invaluable method of checking the risk to lambs this spring. 28th February 2020 Read More
Updated advice on moxidectin 2% a result of constructive discussion between SCOPS and leading animal health company Following a joint workshop, SCOPS is delighted to have worked with Zoetis Animal Health to release updated advice on the use of moxidectin, and particularly the 2% injectable formulation. The work with Zoetis was borne out of concern by both parties about reports of potential over-use, in particular as a treatment for ewes at lambing, coupled with an increase in the prevalence of moxidectin resistance in the UK. 29th January 2020 Read More
Warning for cattle and sheep farmers that rafoxanide is not an appropriate alternative to closantel when treating liver fluke With liver fluke shaping up to be a significant challenge this winter, livestock farmers are being warned to be on their guard and monitor the situation carefully. Farmers, SQPs, vets and advisors are also being urged to be careful with the very limited number of different flukicide products, as reports of resistance to triclabendazole continue to increase. 20th December 2019 Read More

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