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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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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.