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A dry, cool spring across most of the UK, followed by some hot, dry spells over the summer, means the liver fluke risk is generally going to be low this autumn and winter. However, the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) and Control of Cattle Parasites Sustainably (COWS) groups say producers need to test … Continued

Wiltshire organic dairy farmer Dai Wilson ensures all first season grazing calves go out into fields that have not had cattle the previous 12 months. The clean grazing policy at Starveall Farm, Bishopstone keeps any potential worm populations to a minimum, saving time and money in products and administration. “We haven’t had liver fluke or … Continued

SCOPS and 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.  This approach … Continued

The University of Liverpool and the National Animal Disease Information Service (NADIS) have launched a study to investigate the current parasite control practices of UK cattle farmers. All farmers are encouraged to fill in a short questionnaire about how they worm their cattle each year. Respondents will be put into a draw to win an … Continued

Experts from the Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) group are urging dairy and suckler beef producers with autumn-born calves, to think carefully about their worm control programme this spring. Testing and treating calves only when needed might be a better way forward than using traditional routine worming programmes, which can select for resistance. “This has … Continued

There was a relatively low and later-than-normal liver fluke 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 there is evidence of fluke infection in some parts of the country. … Continued