Farmers are reminded to attend one of a series of meetings to discuss the important new findings on the levels of anthelmintic resistance across Wales.
A project overseen by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) is looking at the effectiveness of wormers for eliminating parasitic diseases in sheep and early findings have revealed that resistance to treatments is increasing.
Different farms across Wales have been used as case studies for this project and a number of its participants attended two meetings held this week in Lampeter and Aberystwyth.
Elfyn Morgans from Gorsgoch, near Lampeter said: “I decided to take part in this project as I was keen to find out if my flock of Beulah sheep were resistant to wormers. I now know the status of my farm so I am able to adapt my methods for treating parasitic diseases.
“The project also involved close collaboration with my local vet which has been useful and informative.”
Vets working on this project also attend the meetings to share information that has derived from the different case studies.
Jim Hopkins from Steffan Vets based in Lampeter said: “It is essential that farmers know which wormers work on their farm. If they use ineffective treatments, the overall health status of their flock will deteriorate and a huge amount of time, effort and money will be wasted.”
Eurion Thomas from Techion is carrying out the research on behalf of HCC. He will present the results in greater detail during the meetings.
“Anthelmintic resistance means that a wormer loses effectiveness because a proportion of the worms survive treatment,” said Lynfa Davies, Technical Development Executive at HCC. “This is an important issue and will affect the sustainability of the sheep industry in Wales if not taken seriously.”
