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SCOPs to investigate tools to identify worm species
Existing FECs are unable to identify specific worm species.
Veterinary teams and farmers are invited to complete a short survey.

Sustainable Control of Parasites (SCOPs) has announced plans to explore new methods of identifying specific worm species that are present in dung samples from sheep.

The project will see SCOPs work with Queen's University Belfast and Biobest to devise simpler, and potentially cheaper, tests for farmers and veterinary teams to use.

The group currently promotes the use of faecal egg counts (FECs). This test can be used to estimate the adult worm burden in sheep and measure the efficacy of anthelmintic treatments.

However FECs are not able to differentiate between most species of worm.

SCOPs says that techniques are available to identify worm species, either using DNA or extracted worm eggs from faeces. These tests are not commercially available, and are primarily used in research settings.

The identification of the worm species is becoming increasingly important for sheep farmers in the UK. This can help them better analyse the efficiency of anthelmintic classes and make complex decisions around the use of wormer classes.

The research has been funded by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, in the hopes a new, more accessible test will be discovered.

Lesley Stubbings, an independent sheep consultant speaking on behalf of SCOPs, said: “For this work to be taken forward, it is really important for us to understand the appetite for such a diagnostic tool.

“To try to gauge this we have devised a short survey for farmers, vets and advisers who are concerned or involved in worm control in sheep. It will only take five minutes but will be extremely valuable as we strive to provide new tools for you to use in the fight against anthelmintic resistance.”

So far, survey responses have found that respondents are most interested in diagnostic accuracy and turnaround time over price. These findings will be used to support researchers in creating a test, to be used alongside an FEC, for sheep farmers, veterinary teams and advisors.

The survey can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Free CPD announced for BVNA members

News Story 1
 Zoetis is to present a CPD event for free to members of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).

Led by veterinary consultant Ruth Moxon, the one-hour online session is designed to help veterinary nurses discuss parasiticide options with clients. It will advise on structuring recommendations, factors for product choice and moving away from 'selling'.

'How do you recommend parasite treatments to your clients?' will be presented on Tuesday, 20 May at 7.30pm. It is free for BVNA members, with 15.00 tickets for non-members.

Veterinary nurses can email cpd@bvna.co.uk to book their place. 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.