Sheep farmers are being advised to implement effective quarantine and worming protocols for all incoming stock, to protect both new and existing sheep from the risks of intestinal worms.

With many farmers buying in sheep over the autumn, Matt Colston, Elanco Animal Health technical consultant explains that SCOPS advice is to administer a Group 4 or 5 wormer to all incoming stock.

“A newer group wormer is required to remove worms incoming sheep may bring to your farm. These might include worms resistant to other wormer groups, or species that aren’t already on your farm, such as Haemonchus,” he says.

One study has found that 98% of farms surveyed had detectable resistance to at least one of the first three wormer groups, with resistance to Group 1 white wormers as high as 94%.

Mr Colston explains it is essential the quarantine period begins as soon as the newly purchased sheep arrive on-farm, or even at the time of purchase.

“For all incoming animals, I’d advise using the Group 4 wormer, Zolvix™, as part of a quarantine strategy,” he says.

Prior to treating, Mr Colston recommends weighing the sheep and calibrating drenching equipment.

“Accuracy is essential for a successful quarantine treatment, as underdosing is likely to leave some worms behind and will contribute to the development of a resistant worm population on the farm,” he says.

“But quarantine isn’t just about worms, so a well thought out control programme for other diseases and parasites should be considered at this time too.”

Once treated, the animals should be held in the yard or housed for 24 to 48 hours to ensure worm eggs pass out before moving onto pasture.

“Stock should then be turned out onto ‘dirty’ pasture, that has already held sheep this season,” Mr Colston adds.

Using a Group 4 wormer, in the right animals at the right time, not only tackles current worm challenges which can hinder lamb growth, but also helps slow the development of resistance to other classes, contributing to the long-term sustainability of UK sheep production.

For further information, please visit farmanimalhealth.co.uk.