Rhosgoch

Project aims:

• The growing evidence of anthelmintic failure within the Welsh sheep industry is of great concern (HCC’s WAARD project 2015) and threatens the sustainable production of lamb in Wales.
• Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) infection in lambs can cause a reduction in voluntary feed intake, a decrease in digestive efficiency and protein loss from the gastrointestinal tract due to tissue damage.
• Consequently, GIN infection reduces growth rates in young lambs leading to ill-thrift and occasional death. For over 50 years, the administration of broad spectrum anthelmintics has been an essential component in controlling the negative impact of GIN in sheep.
• Currently, there are five anthelmintic classes available for the control of nematode infection in sheep although the two most recently licensed products, an amino-acetonitrile derivative (Zolvix, Novartis) and a spiroindole/macrocyclic lactone combination product (Startect, Zoetis) are prescription-only medicines in Wales.
• There is a need to look at ways farmers can reduce their reliance on wormers while maintaining good lamb performance.
• Within the project there will be a strong link to the SCOPS principles, ensuring the farm has a control strategy in place.
• The farmer will take routine FEC samples with the guidance of Techion and his local vet.
• The sampling procedure involves collecting a level scoop full from 20 to 25 deposits within a group of sheep.