Norbrook releases new AMTRA-accredited SQP guide on gut worm control

Practical advice for diagnosing and controlling worms – the effects of which are estimated to cost the British sheep industry £84 million per annum – is the main focus of Norbrook’s new CPD Bulletin.

Designed to help SQPs advise farmers on best practice parasite control strategies, it is the sixth in a series of AMTRA-accredited guides published as part of the company’s ongoing ProCPD programme.

The booklet profiles several of the most economically-damaging types of roundworm and tapeworm, including Nematodirus battus. Farmers have been urged to pay particular attention to the parasite, with the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep group and National Animal Disease Information Service setting up forecasts alerting farmers to local egg-hatching risks.

Chris Geddes, Marketing Manager at Norbrook, explains why the worm – which can prove deadly to young lambs – poses a particular threat:

“Unlike other inter-species worm burdens, Nematodirus battus infection is passed from one year’s lamb crop to the next, with milder temperatures liable to trigger a mass hatch of larvated eggs. This unusual transferral method is represented in the new CPD Bulletin, with an original graphic showing the full life cycle of the worm.”

The booklet also offers an insight into anthelmintic resistance, with advice on strategies to manage flock health whilst minimising resistance development – something that Dr Geddes says is of particular importance.

“Anthelmintic resistance is emerging as one of the most critical issues affecting not just parasite control, but the farming industry in general. With studies detecting resistance in more than 80% of farms across England, Scotland and Wales , there is a heightened awareness of the need to reduce the use of anthelmintics.

“The latest CPD Bulletin provides advice on careful product selection, designed to minimise resistance wherever possible. This – along with all other information in the booklet – is laid out in a clear, accessible way, giving SQPs the necessary knowledge to accurately advise customers on parasite control strategies.”

All content is approved by the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) – and the booklet incorporates a questionnaire designed to test understanding of the topic, which SQPs can complete and return in order to accumulate 2 AMTRA CPD points.