How can people get involved with SCOPS?

SCOPS recommendations are based on four main principles

The SCOPS Principles

1. Always make sure any parasite treatment you give is fully effective.

1. Always make sure any parasite treatment you give is fully effective.

Administer the treatment correctly
Internal Parasites
External Parasites
Choose the right product
Check for treatment efficacy
Store and dispose of the product correctly

2. Reduce reliance on parasite treatment through management, monitoring and diagnosis. This makes parasite treatments more sustainable and minimises any potential environmental impact.

2. Reduce reliance on parasite treatment through management, monitoring and diagnosis. This makes parasite treatments more sustainable and minimises any potential environmental impact.

3. Avoid bringing in resistant parasites by following a robust quarantine routine.

3. Avoid bringing in resistant parasites by following a robust quarantine routine.

Consider internal and external parasites

4. Minimise selection for parasites that are resistant to treatment.

4. Minimise selection for parasites that are resistant to treatment.

These are built into all of the SCOPS strategies and the actions recommended are based on the best scientific and evidential information available.

SCOPS aims to provide the best advice on how to make the most of the tools available to ensure the minimal amount of parasiticide is used while sheep performance remains optimal. There are a number of tools available, such as faecal egg counting and blood tests, so an important role for SCOPS is to also provide information and training to those who advise sheep farmers, including vets and Suitable Qualified Persons (SQPs).

There is a great podcast about the SCOPS principles in action on farms - listen here.