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SCOPS podcast returns for third season
Haemonchus parasites can cause the potentially deadly disease Haemonchosis.
The first episode will explore haemonchus parasites.

The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group has launched the third season of the SCOPS podcast.

Episode one of the third season discusses the blood-feeding parasite Haemonchus contortus, also known as Barber’s Pole Worm.

The H. contortus has the capability to take large quantities of blood from their host. A sheep with 5,000 H. contortus could lose 250ml of blood per day.

As few as 500 adult worms can lead to rapid anaemia, causing an acute disease that can result in death.

The disease, Haemonchosis, can occur in both adult and young sheep. This can lead to reduced milk production in lactating ewes, and knock-on consequences for lambs. 

It has been reported as a cause of death in some ewes, which is likely due to overwintered larvae emerging in the animal or in pasture.

Although H. contortus currently affects a minority of farms, an increase in cases is causing concern among the sheep sector.

SCOPS’ latest podcast episode will seek to raise awareness of the parasite, providing practical advice for farmers and advisors. Two farmers who have seen haemonchosis, the disease caused by the parasite, will share how they identified the issue, its impact and the steps they take to manage it.

Kaz Strycharczyk, a farm veterinary surgeon who is featuring in the episode, said: “I was really keen to be involved in this episode to help disseminate key information about this parasite, we don’t want people to panic. It’s about awareness, not alarm.”

Nerys Wright, technical advisor for SCOPS, said: “We’re really pleased to be launching season 3 with topics that are timely and relevant to the industry. Haemonchus is a great example of something that is increasingly on people’s radar. This season is all about sharing real experiences and practical advice.”

All episodes can be found on the SCOPS website.

Image © Shutterstock

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.