Livestock Parasite Control: Targeted Selective Treatment

Targeted selective treatment (TST) for livestock parasites improves animal welfare by treating only animals that need it, reducing drug resistance and minimising unnecessary chemical exposure.

Key Facts

Blanket anthelmintic treatment of all animals in a group contributes to widespread drug resistance in parasites
Targeted selective treatment uses faecal egg counts and clinical scoring to identify animals needing treatment
TST has been successfully implemented for sheep, cattle and goats in multiple countries
Refugia - leaving some parasite burden untreated - is essential for preserving drug efficacy
SCOPS (Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep) provides evidence-based protocols for UK sheep farmers

Welfare Considerations

Welfare implications of parasite control are bidirectional: under-treatment leaves animals suffering from parasite burdens causing anaemia, weight loss, diarrhoea and death, while over-treatment creates resistance that ultimately leads to treatment failure and severe welfare consequences. TST balances these risks by directing treatment where welfare need is greatest.

What You Can Do

Encourage livestock farmers to work with vets to implement faecal egg count monitoring programmes
Support adoption of SCOPS, COWS and BCVA guidelines on targeted parasite control
Advocate for veterinary prescription requirements to be properly enforced for anthelmintics
Support research into novel parasite control methods including vaccines and breeding for resistance
Choose produce from farms that demonstrate responsible parasite management