Parasite Watch

Now in its sixth year, Parasite Watch works to provide you with real-time data on parasite burdens. The site works with 26 farms spread across the country in order to give a realistic view as to what’s going on in your area. 

The Parasite Watch update is brought to you by Zoetis, and here is the picture so far.

There was a relatively slow and steady start to worm activity this year due to the cold spring. There were only a few warm days spread across April and early May, meaning that the Nematodirus hatch was later than usual as well as being fairly gradual in most parts of the country. We have seen high Nematodirus egg counts in Scotland in the last week, so it is important that farmers in northern parts of the UK are on high alert for nematodirosis in later born lambs.

Alongside the recent high Nematodirus counts we have also had moderately high stomach worm egg count results from our farms in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. This highlights the importance of testing before treatment so that the most appropriate product can be selected.

In cases where there is a mixed infection of Nematodirus and stomach worms, a product which is effective against both types of worms should be used. White drenches have good activity against Nematodirus, but there is a high level of stomach worm resistance to white drenches, so this may not be the best choice for farms where there is a known resistance issue. Farmers who are unsure of the resistance status on their farm can seek help and advice on testing options from their animal health advisor.

If your animal health advisor advises treatment take a look at our Parasite Control  prices online.

Why not keep in touch by signing up to receive direct updates from Parasite Watch where you can zoom into your area for a fuller picture.


1st July 2021

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