Latest News

Warning for sheep and cattle producers not to get caught out by ‘later than normal’ liver fluke challenge The strange weather patterns of 2023 have had a significant impact on the level and timing of the risk of liver fluke disease across the UK, says experts within the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) and Control of Cattle Parasites Sustainable (COWS) groups. 10th January 2024 Read More
SCOPS goes from strength to strength in 2023 From success with control of sheep scab to the creation of a new podcast series, the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group is delighted with what has been achieved in 2023 – and looks forward to more in 2024. Kevin Harrison, Gloucestershire sheep farmer and SCOPS Chair, says: “SCOPS has always been a very active group, achieving a huge amount with few resources, but it feels like 2023 has been even busier and impactful than previous years. 11th December 2023 Read More
SCOPS launches new podcast series The first two episodes of a new podcast series from the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group drop this week, offering yet another tool to the UK sheep industry on this essential topic. Kevin Harrison, a sheep farmer on the Gloucestershire-Somerset border and SCOPS Chair, features on the first episode. 23rd October 2023 Read More
‘Test, don’t guess’ approach to liver fluke essential in ‘funny old year’ of 2023 Livestock farmers would traditionally be expecting to go into peak liver fluke season at this time of year – but experts in the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) and Control of Cattle Parasites Sustainable (COWS) groups say 2023 has been a very strange year in terms of weather patterns. 20th October 2023 Read More
SCOPS urges sheep farmers to ‘safeguard their valuables’ At a busy time of year for sheep to move between holdings, the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group is encouraging producers to think about sheep health as an extremely precious asset worthy of strong protection. Speaking on behalf of the group, independent sheep consultant Lesley Stubbings says: “If you were guarding a valuable treasure you would probably keep it in a fortress, with sturdy walls, strong gates, and vigilant guards. 20th September 2023 Read More
Updates to cross-industry Code of Practice provide clarity for sheep dippers, farmers and prescribers Speakers at a SCOPS-led webinar today (Thursday 7th September 2023) urged mobile sheep dippers, farmers and prescribers to make themselves aware of updates to the cross-industry Mobile Sheep Dipping Code of Practice – to ensure the ongoing effectiveness and safe use of organophosphate (OP) dip, particularly for the control of sheep scab. 7th September 2023 Read More
SCOPS and COWS discuss antiparasiticides and the environment Today (Tuesday 5th September 2023), representatives from the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) and Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) groups met to talk about increasing awareness of the impact the use of antiparasiticides in cattle and sheep can have on the wider environment. 5th September 2023 Read More
Important and useful updates to dipping code of practice to be shared in SCOPS webinar The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group is pleased to be able to share some important updates to the cross-industry Code of Practice for Mobile Sheep Dipping, via a free-to-attend webinar on Thursday 7th September 2023. The main changes to the code are around how organophosphate (OP) can be supplied to mobile contractors for use on clients’ farms, and the role of farmers, contractors and prescribers to ensure this is done properly and legally. 18th August 2023 Read More
SCOPS welcomes funding announcement for nematode vaccine SCOPS welcomes the announcement that Moredun has accessed £6m to further research a vaccine against nematodes. Given SCOPS works to reduce the speed at which resistance develops to anthelmintic worm treatments, any options to widen the arsenel of tools to tackle worms is very welcome. 17th August 2023 Read More
Open invitation to farmers, contractors and prescribers to 'Safe and effective dipping' webinar Some important and useful updates have been made to the cross-industry Code of Practice for Mobile Sheep Dipping, which SCOPS is excited to be able to share with farmers, contractors and prescribers via a webinar on Thursday 7th September at 1pm. The webinar will discuss all elements of effective, safe dipping – and focus on the role of mobile sheep dippers in keeping on top of sheep scab in particular. 16th August 2023 Read More
SCOPS writes to Vet. Record to increase understanding of rumen fluke SCOPS has joined forces with COWS, its equivalent group for the cattle sector, to increase understanding of rumen fluke. In a letter in the Veterinary Record, SCOPS and COWS representatives have urged against unnecessary treatment of animals with anthelmintics in response to rumen fluke being reports on FEC reports. 14th August 2023 Read More
Expert advice shared via SCOPS online question and answer session Two online question and answer sessions ran by SCOPS at lunchtime and early evening yesterday (Wednesday 19th July) attracted large numbers of vets, advisers and farmers and provided useful and practical advice on checking a worming treatment has been effective. 20th July 2023 Read More

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