1. Always make sure any treatment you give is fully effective.
SCOPS is an industry led group that works in the interest of the UK sheep industry. It recognises that, left unchecked, anthelmintic resistance is one of the biggest challenges to the future health and profitability of the sector.
The SCOPS group was formed to develop sustainable strategies for parasite control in sheep, facilitate and oversee the delivery of these recommendations to the industry and ensure that new research and development is incorporated to refine and improve advice given to the sheep industry.
SCOPS includes representatives from a wide range of industry organisations – logos and links are below. The equivalent organisation for cattle is the Control Of Worms Sustainably (COWS).
The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) and Control of Cattle Parasites Sustainably (COWS) groups have joined forces to urge sheep and 
cattle farmers to monitor for liver fluke this autumn. In comparison to last autumn and winter, when levels of fluke were relatively low, many areas have been wetter this year and early indications are that there is and will be more liver fluke around this season. Reports to date show some disease in high risk areas already (pictured). Experts are warning the challenge will be very patchy, meaning the need to use testing is greater than ever. Click here for more information.
Meanwhile, further evidence of resistance in sheep scab mites to injectable treatment products was published recently. This now confirms the presence of resistance to all the actives in this group. Sheep farmers are reminded they must ensure they follow the instructions carefully when using injectables and, if they suspect a treatment has not been fully effective, to discuss this with their vet or adviser. Click here for more infomation on diagnosis, resistance and the disease.
