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SCOPS Nematodirus Forecast to go live on 1st February
Mild conditions experienced in parts of the UK at the New Year, coupled with a predicted warm end to January, means the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group is launching its Nematodirus Forecast earlier this season. As well as using the forecast, the group also advises sheep farmers to monitor for signs of diarrhoea and ill thrift in lambs – and not to exclude nematodirus as a cause of disease, even if your regional hatching risk is not yet high.
31
st
January 2022
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SCOPS urges UK sheep farmers to take part in important survey on wormer resistance
Wormer resistance is a growing problem on sheep farms in the UK, as in other countries. Recent data shows that on most farms, at least one and more usually two or three wormer groups are not having the expected impact on roundworms. To help plan for the future, a new survey is being conducted by Queen's University Belfast and the Moredun Research Institute to gather information on what farmers are doing to control worms, what they think of wormer resistance and how to deal with it.
20
th
December 2021
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Warning issued over 'cowboy' sheep dipping contractors - Farmers Weekly article
SCOPS draws attention to a useful article published in Farmers Weekly in early December. The article outlines the importance of using contractors who follow industry best practice guidelines, avoiding possible malpractices such as applying organophospate (OP) dip through jetters and showers, and/or illegally disposing of spent dip.
10
th
December 2021
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Keep your guard up against liver fluke this winter, warn industry experts
While the risk of liver fluke remains low for much of the UK this season, livestock farmers need to keep their guard up again in what is becoming a less predictable parasite challenge. That is the warning from the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) and Control of Cattle Worms Sustainably (COWS) groups as we head into winter.
10
th
December 2021
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Fluke warning for cattle and sheep farmers as range of treatment options reduces
A dry, cool spring across most of the UK, followed by some hot, dry spells over the summer, means the liver fluke risk is generally going to be low this autumn and winter. However, the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) and Control of Cattle Parasites Sustainably (COWS) groups say producers need to test on their own farms to avoid treating unnecessarily or being caught out – and need to consider treatment options carefully given the withdrawal of Trodax from the market.
11
th
October 2021
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SCOPS encourages sheep farmers in England, Wales and Scotland to complete scab survey - even if they have no scab problem!
SCOPS is strongly encouraging all sheep farmers in England, Wales and Scotland to participate in a Nottingham University sheep scab survey. The survey is relevant to all producers, whether or not they have experienced sheep scab in their flock before.
7
th
October 2021
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New SCOPS quarantine resources available for sheep vets and advisers
With so many potential risks to consider when bringing sheep into a flock, the Sustainable Control of Parasistes in Sheep (SCOPS) group has created new resources to help vets and advisers better assit their farmer clients. The six-step guide provides clear steps on parasite risk assessment, finding information on tests and treatments available and best practice.
25
th
August 2021
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SCOPS launches Code of Practice to ensure safe and effective sheep dipping
A new Code of Practice has been launched by the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group, in conjunction with the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC), to ensure access to the best advice on effective treatment of sheep scab with organophosphate (OP) sheep dip, minimising risks to users and the environment.
27
th
July 2021
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Cross-industry letter supports SCOPS message on group 4 and 5 wormers
An open letter has been issued to the UK sheep industry, encouraging producers to take up the SCOPS message and integrate the two newer wormer groups - 4-AD (orange) trade name Zolvix - and 5-SI (purple) trade name Startect - into their worm control plans.
8
th
July 2021
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Statement from SCOPS and COWS on parasite treatments and the environment
The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) and Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) principles are based on the responsible use of medicines such as anthelmintics, flukicides and ectoparasiticides. Our aim is to ensure these products are only used when necessary and ideally supported by a diagnosis or a risk assessment that confirms the need to protect animals from a genuine risk of disease.
22
nd
June 2021
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Later-born lambs and northern facing slopes at greatest risk in very different nematodirus year
The Nematodirus Forecast provided by the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group has being proving invaluable to vets, advisors and farmers, in what has been a slow-but-steady year of risk for 2021-born lambs. In stark contrast to 2019 and 2020, the much colder weather in Spring 2021, with a few warmer days in between, has meant the nematodirus hatch has not only been a bit later, but also more gradual on most farms in low ground areas, over a longer period of time.
18
th
May 2021
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SCOPS welcomes launch of new scab initiative in England
Having long suggest to Defra that a coordinated response in hotspot areas could make a real difference to farmers plagued by sheep scab, SCOPS is delighted by the annoucement that funding has been granted to a Moredun-led project in three areas of England.
7
th
April 2021
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