Farmers warned on nematodirus
Farmers have been warned to be vigilant for signs of nematodirus in lambs in light of the possibility that recent changes to weather patterns could lead to a sharp increase in worm numbers.
Commenting, Lesley Stubbings of Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) said "Nematodirosis is a particularly nasty disease in lambs, causing a high number of mortalities and cases of stunted growth. Because of its lifecycle, nematodirus can strike very quickly, with little or no warning. Before they hatch, the nematodirus eggs have to undergo a period of cold weather followed by warmer temperatures above 10°C. If this change in conditions occurs over a short period of time it means lots of eggs hatching at once, creating a big challenge particularly if it coincides with lambs starting to take in significant amounts of grass. The result can be devastating."
"We can't afford to have a 'wait and see' policy, even faecal egg counting cannot be relied upon because the damage is done by immature larvae. Farmers must assess the risk to their lambs, and if they decide they need to act, SCOPS advises them to use a white (1-BZ) drench." Ms Stubbs added.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
