- New tool launched to standardise anthelmintic advice for sheep farmers
- Vet advice required to tackle farmer confusion on worming strategies
Vets can now access a new online tool to help ensure they give sheep farmers the most up to date advice regarding worming and worm control.
‘The Wormer Decision Tree’ available at www.farmanimalhealth.co.uk/wormerdecisiontree, has been developed by Novartis Animal Health to help vets ensure best practice when prescribing anthelmintics.
“Choosing the right wormer group is hugely important and there remains much confusion especially when it comes to anthelmintic resistance,” explains Lesley Stubbings, SCOPS representative and Independent Sheep Consultant. “Worms, including resistant and multi-resistant species, are threatening the productivity of sheep farms. However with a well-thought-out worming strategy that uses both the new wormer groups, in association with existing wormers, it is possible to slow resistance.”
Results of the Farming Against Wormer Resistance (FAWR) campaign survey, in 2013, revealed growing concern about wormer resistance among farmers – but confusion about the best course of action to take.
“This tool has been developed adhering to SCOPS principles and is designed to ensure a consistent responsible approach is used when prescribing anthelmintics.” says Fiona Anderson, Novartis Animal Health Veterinary Manager. “Available only to SQPs and Vets, it will be a valuable tool to train new staff and use with farmers, to explain which of the five drench classes are appropriate for particular sheep groups at specific times of year.”
How does it work?
The Novartis Wormer Decision Tree identifies key questions: the type of sheep being dosed, the purpose of the dose, and the farm’s resistance status. By answering these simple questions, the Wormer Decision Tree produces a recommendation of the required active ingredient.
Drop down boxes are available throughout to provide users with more detailed information including an update on current advice. And finally, a useful calculator provides a dose rate and cost per dose based upon the recommendation.
Registered SQPs can use the decision tree now on the Novartis Farm Animal Health website. If you are not currently registered you can sign up online at www.farmanimalhealth.co.uk
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