Sustainable control of parasites

SCOPS was formed following a successful workshop in March 2003 that made recommendations for new worm control strategies for sheep with the aim of slowing the development of anthelmintic resistance in the UK.  One of the key objectives is to try to protect the activity of the macro-cyclic lactones (MLs), the most recently added group of the 3 anthelmintic groups available, for as long as possible.  This group of chemicals includes avermectin, doramectin and moxidectin, all of which are also used in injectable form to control and treat sheep scab.  As such, their dual use represents potential for additional pressure for the selection of resistant worms, and this concerns the SCOPS group.  Devising strategies to minimise this risk is therefore an important objective.

Please click on this external link to the National Sheep Association for more information.

Further information is available by clicking on the link to the side of the screen.