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The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) is urging sheep farmers to pause and assess before reaching for a routine Nematodirus treatment this spring. Warm spring weather means many lowland areas have passed the peak Nematodirus hatch before many lambs were old enough to be grazing.
Traditionally, many flocks would routinely target lambs for treatment in late April or early May. However, the forecast this year indicates that in a proportion of lowland regions the peak hatch has already occurred (as denoted by a triangle symbol), meaning lambs may no longer be at significant risk.
Further north, lambing is still in full swing and these flocks would usually expect a later “target date” for treatment. However, the same principles apply - warm soil temperatures earlier in the spring mean hatching is occurring earlier in these areas too. Treating based on the calendar instead of the risk could result in unnecessary use of wormers.
On the SCOPS Nematodirus forecast, a triangle symbol indicates that hatch has occurred. Olly Matthews, Deputy Chair of SCOPS and a sheep farmer in the South West, explains how this has played out on his own farm:
“We would historically have treated lambs for Nematodirus with a white wormer at the first gather, around the end of May. However, with the warm spring, the forecast is showing that the hatch has already passed in this region, and following discussion with our vet adviser, we will not need to treat for Nematodirus this year”.
Using forecasts alongside on‑farm knowledge can help reduce unnecessary treatments, supporting sustainable parasite control and slowing the development of anthelmintic resistance.
SCOPS needs your feedback
SCOPS has recently launched a short exit survey to understand how farmers and advisers are using the Nematodirus forecast and how it can be improved. Your feedback is extremely valuable and will help shape future forecasts and guidance. The survey will automatically pop up when you exit the forecast tool on the SCOPS website.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share your experiences.
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