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SCOPS and COWS warn grazing livestock may still be at risk from liver fluke this winter SCOPS and COWS experts recently reviewed laboratory test results, post mortems and feedback from farms, and while losses due to liver fluke continue to be low this season, they warn there is still time for a ‘sting in the tail’. ‘Even though many parts of the UK have had a recent cold snap, there could still be active infection on flukey areas which could quickly ramp up if we have a mild spell’ says Dr Philip Skuce of Moredun. 27th January 2026 Read More
Know your anthelmintics groups for 2026 SCOPS is delighted to announce the ever-popular and highly useful SCOPS Know Your Anthelmintics guide has been updated for 2026, ensuring the information inside is bang-up-to-date for UK sheep producers. As well as listing all licenced anthelmintics within the groups they belong to, the guide also has practical advice on administering products and making environmentally-sound decisions. 26th January 2026 Read More
‘Test Don’t Guess’. A too early treatment will not provide any protection for livestock warn SCOPS and COWS. A recent review of reports from laboratories and field experiences by experts from the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) and the Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) groups supports earlier forecasts that the liver fluke season will be late again in 2025/6. 18th November 2025 Read More
Liver Fluke - Treating livestock early this autumn is not an insurance policy against infection, warn SCOPS and COWS groups Farmers considering whether to treat livestock for liver fluke this autumn are being urged by experts from the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) and Control of Cattle Parasites Sustainably (COWS) groups to use the testing available to decide if they need to treat, and when. 10th October 2025 Read More
Quarantine protocols crucial as autumn sales ramp up With the sales of ewes and rams in full swing, SCOPS (Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep) is reminding farmers of the importance of an effective quarantine protocol - not only to protect their existing flock but also their new purchases. 26th September 2025 Read More
SCOPS and COWS welcome BVA's latest policy and highlight extent of work already done Members of the groups Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) and Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS), welcome the recognition by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) of the need for a cohesive strategy to tackle future parasiticide resistance, with the publication of their new policy on responsible use of parasiticides in grazing animals (July 2025). 11th August 2025 Read More
Time your Group 4 and 5 wormers right this season, says SCOPS The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) is advising farmers on the importance of using Group 4-AD (monepantel) and Group 5-SI (derquantel) wormer actives in lambs as a mid-to-late season dose to help manage resistance and support optimal growth rates. 6th August 2025 Read More
SCOPS urges farmers to use faecal egg counts and monitor lamb performance following recent rainfall   Following recent showers across some parts of the UK including South East and North West England, the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) are urging sheep farmers to be extra vigilant in monitoring parasite burdens and lamb performance. 15th July 2025 Read More
Think it's Haemonchus? Don't panic - test first to be sure.  SCOPS (Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep) is encouraging farmers and the wider sheep industry to stay alert and informed as Haemonchus contortus - commonly known as Barber’s Pole worm - gains more attention across the UK.   While recent reports and testing suggest increased interest and possible cases of haemonchosis (disease associated with Haemonchus infections) appearing further north across the country, the reasons aren’t fully understood yet. 10th June 2025 Read More
SCOPS at NSA North Sheep Come and meet the people behind SCOPS at NSA North Sheep this Wednesday 4th June.  The event is being held at Greystoke Castle Farm, Penrith by kind permission of the Peile family. SCOPS technical consultant Nerys Wright says " This is the perfect opportunity to come and meet some of the experts of the SCOPS group. 2nd June 2025 Read More
SCOPS and COWS urge sheep and cattle producers to remain vigilant as the liver fluke risks extends into Spring 2025 The season for disease due to Liver Fluke in cattle and sheep has been shifting later, and 2024/5 is no exception warn SCOPS and COWS. ‘Historically, we would have expected to see acute/sub-acute disease in grazing livestock during the autumn and early winter’ says Philip Skuce of Moredun. 3rd April 2025 Read More
SCOPS Nematodirus Forecast: Essential tool for determining flock risk amid recent warmer weather   The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) Group is once again offering its invaluable Nematodirus Forecast to help farmers, vets and advisers identify when lambs might be at risk of exposure to nematodirus, ensuring timely and effective interventions. 19th March 2025 Read More

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