Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Internal Parasite Resistance Management

Anthelmintic resistance in sheep roundworms is a growing crisis threatening parasite control and flock welfare.

Key Facts

Multiple-drug resistance in Haemonchus contortus and related worms is now widespread
Blanket dosing programmes have accelerated resistance development
FECR (faecal egg count reduction) tests measure treatment efficacy on farm
Targeted selective treatment using FAMACHA scoring and FEC preserves drug efficacy
Refugia - leaving some animals untreated - is essential for resistance management

Welfare Considerations

Parasite-related welfare impacts including anaemia, bottle jaw, weight loss and death are severe. Resistance to all drug classes threatens the ability to control parasites effectively. Sustainable parasite management is both a welfare and biosecurity imperative.

What You Can Do

Implement targeted selective treatment programmes on sheep farms
Test anthelmintic efficacy using FECR before assuming treatments are working
Work with a vet or SCOPS-trained advisor to build a sustainable parasite control strategy