Sheep Parasite Management: Welfare and Resistance

Overview of sheep internal parasite management, anthelmintic resistance, and welfare approaches.

Key Facts

Anthelmintic resistance is now widespread, compromising traditional worming programmes
Targeted selective treatment based on faecal egg counting reduces resistance development
Refugia management is a key strategy to slow resistance progression
Pasture management and nutrition support sheep immunity to internal parasites
Genetic selection for parasite resistance is advancing in some sheep breeding programmes

Welfare Considerations

Sheep internal parasite welfare requires balancing effective control with resistance management. Over-reliance on anthelmintics has created widespread resistance, requiring more targeted and sustainable approaches. Targeted selective treatment based on faecal egg counting improves both welfare by treating animals that need it and resistance management by preserving drug efficacy. Integrated approaches combining targeted treatment, pasture management, and genetic selection represent best practice.

What You Can Do

Support farmer training in targeted selective treatment for sheep parasite management
Advocate for faecal egg count testing as a standard sheep welfare and management tool
Follow SCOPS guidelines for sustainable sheep parasite control