Overview
All project farms have recognised the challenge of worm control in their flocks. Worm species differ across the seasons and within each farm. Knowing which species are present can be extremely useful when performing treatment checks. Some species cause disease and other don't and a standard faecal egg count (FEC) result is unable to determine which species are present.
The sheep sector parasite species identification project brings together discussion groups from Brecon, South Wales, and Pembrokeshire. The project aims to improve targeted worm control by collecting faecal samples from 15 sheep per farm, conducting faecal egg counts, and using faecal culture techniques to identify worm species before and after anthelmintic treatment. APHA vets will conduct the culture analysis so treatment efficacy can be assessed.