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Growing awareness of wormer resistance
Farmers must build closer relationships with vets

A survey of UK farmers has found that awareness of wormer resistance is growing, but confusion remains over the best way to combat it.

The survey was conducted by Farming Against Wormer Resistance (FAWR), which was initiated by Novartis Animal Health and supported by the National Sheep Association (NSA) and the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS).

According to the results, over half of the 400 farmers to respond were aware of resistance in their area. This rose to 78 per cent and 76 per cent in the south west of England and south wales respectively. Further, three quarters of the respondents were worried about resistance.

However, Fiona Anderson, veterinary manager at Novartis, said: "I’m concerned that less than 30 per cent [of farmers] had actually tested for [resistance].

"While the number of farmers aware of possible productivity decline as a result of resistance is encouraging, it does reveal that testing is still not seen as important for a robust worming strategy, and shows a gap between concern and action that we need to address."

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker highlighted the importance of farmers "build[ing] closer relationships with vets", and using faecal egg counting to monitor parasites in sheep.

He added: "If we don’t use our wormers responsibly they will have a limited shelf life…It is important to work with a vet, use the SCOPS guidelines and get to understand wormers and worm life cycles in more detail. The success of our industry depends on it."

The survey also revealed an increase in the number of sheep farmers seeking worming advice from their vet, with three-quarters of the respondents contacting their vet, and over half doing so twice yearly.

The FAWR project is set to continue throughout the coming months, aiming to turn increased awareness into action, and encouraging farmers to test for resistance. 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.