Farmers encouraged to get latest version of popular free sheep guide

The useful guide has been recently updated, meaning it includes products launched in recent months and any changes to established items. 

In addition to the product tables, it also has bite-sized information on choosing the right product, correct drenching and injecting techniques, and minimising the environmental impacts of anthelmintics. 

Useful in making decisions about flock

Kevin Harrison, Gloucestershire sheep farmer and SCOPS chair, said: “I can’t count the times I’ve used the SCOPS ‘Know Your Anthelmintics’ guide when making decisions about my flock, to remind myself which group a wormer belongs to or check other details.

“It lists all the currently available wormers, flukicides, and combination products, with the wormers usefully colour coded into the white, yellow, clear, orange and purple groups that we sheep farmers are familiar with.

“I also find it to be a useful tool to have in hand when I’m speaking to my vet or animal health adviser.”

The SCOPS nematodirus forecast, available every spring, is also a very useful tool for sheep farmers.

Mr Harrison added: “The dot on the forecast map nearest to me is Lyneham, so I keep an eye on what colour that is and bear in mind that my farm is at a higher altitude, as that means the threat will be slightly delayed on my farm compared to when the dot changes to red (high risk) or black (very high risk).

“If the nematodirus threat comes at a time when I have susceptible lambs grazing pasture, it’s great to know the Nematodirus battus worm is one that remains susceptible to group 1 (white) wormers.

“Again, referring to the ‘Know Your Anthelmintics’ guide can help keep me informed on correct product choice.”

Find the SCOPS nematodirus forecast here. 

The SCOPS ‘Know Your Anthelmintics’ guide can be viewed online and downloaded to print here. 

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