21st August 2015
KEEP TO THE SCOPS GUIDELINES: Sheep farmers are reminded that there are no quick fixes for anthelmintic resistance.
A recent series of meetings and resulting press articles have left SCOPS needing to reiterate the importance of UK farmers sticking to the SCOPS principles when selecting and using wormer products.
In light of suggestions from overseas that using more than one wormer group can reverse anthelmintic resistance, SCOPS warns that this has not been proven on UK farms and could lead to serious problems if people resort to mixing wormer products, including adverse reactions from sheep being treated, a complete absence of knowledge of the effects, but also that there are no withdrawal periods approved and potentially carcasses could be condemned.
Even the sequential use (one after the other) of products is only advised as a part of quarantine drenching and the VMD warns against anyone using this practice without Veterinary advice and full knowledge of your resistance status.
