Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Parasite Control and Resistance

Anthelmintic resistance in sheep nematode parasites is a growing crisis threatening effective parasite control. Strategic approaches combining testing, refugia, and targeted selective treatment maintain efficacy and welfare.

Key Facts

Resistance to benzimidazole anthelmintics is now almost universal in UK sheep nematodes
FAMACHA scoring allows targeted treatment of anaemic sheep rather than whole-flock dosing
Maintaining refugia - untreated animals that dilute the resistant population - slows resistance development
Quarantine treatment of incoming animals prevents introducing resistant worms
Annual faecal egg count reduction tests assess whether treatments remain effective

Welfare Considerations

Heavy worm burdens cause anaemia, weight loss, diarrhoea, and death in affected sheep. Loss of effective anthelmintic treatments through resistance would leave farmers without tools to prevent this suffering. Sustainable parasite management that preserves treatment efficacy protects both current and future sheep welfare.

What You Can Do

Support sheep farmer training in sustainable parasite management
Advocate for access to faecal egg count testing through veterinary practices
Choose wool and lamb from farms with demonstrated responsible parasite management