The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) is a voluntary, industry-led group that works in the interest of the UK sheep industry. It recognises that, left unchecked, resistance to parasiticides will become one of the biggest challenges to the future health and profitability of the sector.
The SCOPS Steering Group was formed to develop sustainable, responsible and practical strategies for parasite control in sheep which ensure the responsible use of parasiticides in conjunction with other means of control. It consists of individuals and organisations with an active interest in the sustainable control of parasites and includes industry bodies, UK levy bodies, sheep farmers, vets, animal health advisers, parasitologists, researchers and others (as listed on the homepage of this website). The group facilitates and oversees the delivery of these recommendations to the industry and ensures that new research and development is incorporated to refine and improve advice to the sheep industry.
The group is chaired by Kevin Harrison (near right), a farm manager and sheep producer based in Gloucestershire. The Deputy Chairman is Robert Helliwell (far right), a tenant farmer in the Peak District, Derbyshire.
SCOPS is funded by 10 organisations that sit on the Steering Group - Agrisearch, AHDA, AHDB Beef & Lamb, AMTRA, HCC, NOAH, NFU, NSA, QMS and Vetpol.
Find out more about anthelmintic resistance here, and navigate the site for sustainable strategies for parasite control in sheep. The equivalent organisation for cattle is the Control Of Worms Sustainably (COWS). For horses, it's Controlling ANTiparasitic resistance in Equines Responsibly (CANTER).
