Farmers needed for Moredun cattle worm survey

British farmers have been aware of the problem of anthelmintic resistance in sheep and goats for many years now – worldwide research has lead to guidelines about the effective control of roundworms in sheep being established and promoted through initiatives like the Defra backed SCOPS (Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep). A lot less is known however, about the current status of anthelmintic resistance in roundworms of cattle.

In 2010 researchers at Moredun Research Institute conducted a survey on cattle farms across Scotland, from the Scottish Borders to Orkney and determined that there were signs of anthelmintic inefficacy against the ivermectin-based products in the common cattle gut worm Cooperia.

Moredun scientists are now looking to expand their survey and are seeking more farmers with herds of greater than 30 animals to help with this project. Participants will be supplied with detailed survey form as well as a sample kit containing everything they need to collect faecal samples and a FREEPOST address to return the samples to for free faecal egg count testing service at Moredun.

Dr Dave Bartley from Moredun commented, A recent industry-driven initiative, control of worms sustainably (COWS; EBLEX 2010), highlights practices that may reduce selection pressure for anthelmintic resistance in gut worms in cattle and provides advice on appropriate use of anthelmintics.”

He added, “It is important for livestock producers, suitably qualified persons and animal health advisors to give serious consideration to the impact of intensive worm control programmes. Producers also need to be aware of the possibility of anthelmintic resistance particularly in Cooperia species and to consider the use of faecal egg counts to assist in identifying the best-practice choice of anthelmintic to administer to the animals in their care.”

If you would like to take part in the survey, or would like further information, please contact Dr Dave Bartley on 0131 445 5111 or email dave.bartley@moredun.ac.uk.

For more information about Moredun's work on anthelmintic resistance click here