For all editorial enquiries please contact Sara Gregson email: sara@saragregson.co.uk
News
A statement from SCOPS and COWS on Anthelmintics and the Environment
22nd June 2021SCOPS and COWS Principles are based on the responsible use of medicines such as anthelmintics, flukicides, and ectoparasiticides. Our aim is to ensure these products are only used when necessary and ideally supported by a diagnosis or a risk assessment that confirms the need to protect animals from a genuine risk of disease. This approach … Continued
Complete a survey and possibly win an iPad
3rd June 2021The University of Liverpool and the National Animal Disease Information Service (NADIS) have launched a study to investigate the current parasite control practices of UK cattle farmers. All farmers are encouraged to fill in a short questionnaire about how they worm their cattle each year. Respondents will be put into a draw to win an … Continued
Test before treating calves with wormer this spring
25th February 2021Experts from the Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) group are urging dairy and suckler beef producers with autumn-born calves, to think carefully about their worm control programme this spring. Testing and treating calves only when needed might be a better way forward than using traditional routine worming programmes, which can select for resistance. “This has … Continued
Don’t let liver fluke catch you out
5th February 2021There was a relatively low and later-than-normal liver fluke challenge in many parts of the UK throughout 2020, largely due to the legacy of the dry summer in 2018 and successive dry springs in 2019 and 2020. But more recent weather patterns mean there is evidence of fluke infection in some parts of the country. … Continued
Consider which products to use when treating cattle for parasites this winter
3rd December 2020Robert Smith, director at Farm First Vets, Abergavenny and a member of the Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) steering group, urges farmers to consider the effect treatments they give for internal parasites at housing might also be having on skin parasites. “Most cattle producers apply a pour-on macrocyclic lactone (ML) anthelmintic at, or just after … Continued
Advice on autumn liver fluke control in cattle for RAMAs and vets
14th September 2020As fluke risk can vary considerably from year to year, between regions and even between neighbouring farms, every farm needs to be considered individually. We strongly advise RAMAs and Veterinarians to recommend diagnostic testing for liver fluke before treating. This will allow you to tailor the best control advice to each farm, which product to … Continued