What is COWS?
Control Of Worms Sustainably (COWS) is a voluntary initiative aiming to provide the best available, evidence-based information to the beef and dairy cattle industries in relation to the sustainable control of both internal and external parasites.
COWS funders
As a voluntary initiative, COWS is kindly funded by: AgriSearch, AHDB, AHDA, AHDB Beef & Lamb, AHDB Dairy, AMTRA, HCC, NFU, NOAH and QMS. COWS also works closely with SCOPS.
Wormer resistant lungworm
13th October 2025
In recent research on a farm in Scotland, clinical signs and significant numbers of lungworm larvae were found in bovine faeces after treatment with ivermectin and moxidectin. Lead researcher Paul Campbell from the University of Glasgow reports. Parasitic bronchitis is caused by the bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus. Infections can cause mild to severe respiratory distress, … Continued
COWS and SCOPS welcome BVA’s latest policy and highlight extent of work already done
11th August 2025
Members of the groups Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) and Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS), welcome the recognition by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) of the need for a cohesive strategy to tackle future parasiticide resistance, with the publication of their new policy on responsible use of parasiticides in grazing animals (July 2025). … Continued
Remain vigilant as liverfluke risk extends into spring
19th April 2025
The season for disease due to liver fluke in cattle and sheep has been shifting later, and 2024/5 is no exception warn COWS and SCOPS. “Historically, we would have expected to see acute/sub-acute disease in grazing livestock during the autumn and early winter,” says Philip Skuce of Moredun. “However, in recent years, this has been … Continued