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Reassess pre-lambing worming treatments, farmers urged
The immune system of some ewes can weaken in late pregnancy.
SCOPS is calling for a more targeted approach to parasite control.

The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group has asked farmers to consider their anthelmintic use as lambing season approaches.

The group warns that unnecessary use of worming treatments could lead to antibiotic resistance among flocks of sheep in the future.

Providing they are in good body condition and are well-fed, most adult ewes will have developed an immunity to roundworms by the time they are 12-18 months old. This immunity means they are often able to handle parasite burden without frequent treatment.

However, due to the strain of late pregnancy, the immune system of some ewes may weaken.

This ‘spring rise’ does not directly harm ewes, however the eggs do pass out in their dung. This poses a contamination risk to lambs, which will have no immunity to roundworms.

SCOPS recommends that worming treatments are specifically targeted to the ewes which are most at risk.

It suggests that the treatment is focused on ewes shedding the most eggs, rather than treating an entire herd. Ewes with lower body condition, particularly those which have lost condition during pre-lambing, are most likely to shed worm eggs in their faeces.

Farmers are advised to take regular faecal egg counts (FECs) in the weeks leading up to lambing season to detect whether the egg output has risen.

This information can then be used to decide whether to treat the animal and, if so, when and what to use. Farmers should speak to their veterinary surgeon, suitably qualified person or animal health advisor if they are unsure.

Nerys Wright, independent sheep consultant, said: “The most important reason for not using anthelmintics unnecessarily in ewes is to protect flocks from resistance in the long term, prolonging the efficacy of the products available, to ensure they are still available and effective in future years.

“Of course there is also a cost element to worming adult ewes and this is also a way of controlling costs without a detrimental impact on flock performance.”

Image © Shutterstock

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RCVS renewal fees increase by four per cent

News Story 1
 The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has announced a four per cent increase to its annual renewal fees.

RCVS treasurer Tshidi Gardiner said that the council had tried to keep the fees to a minimum, while increasing the fees in line with inflation. It is a two per cent lower increase than in 2024.

Fee notices will be sent to veterinary surgeons within the first two weeks of March, who will have until 1 April to pay for their annual renewal.

Veterinary surgeons who do not pay their fee before 1 May will incur a higher fee of £36. Non-payment by 1 June could mean they are removed from the RCVS register.

The veterinary nurse annual renewal period, taking place in autumn, will see the same percentage increase. 

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Wales licenses Bluetongue vaccines for voluntary use

The Welsh government has approved three Bluetongue vaccines for emergency use in Wales.

From 1 March an online general licence will become available for the vaccines' use. They will then be obtainable on prescription and can be sold by veterinary practices.

After appropriate guidance, livestock keepers will be permitted to administer the vaccines themselves. The vaccines must be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon and detailed vaccination records must be kept for five years.

The decision comes as Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) continues to spread across England. The three vaccines are already licensed for use in England.

Richard Irvine, CVO for Wales, said: "This decision to licence these vaccines was informed by our recent risk assessment indicating that Wales is now at high risk of experiencing an incursion of Bluetongue this year.

"Our primary aim is to keep Bluetongue out of Wales through biosecurity, vigilance and safe sourcing of livestock."