Parasitic disease represents the greatest limiting factor to successful and sustainable ruminant livestock production worldwide and it is a significant challenge for Northern Ireland’s agricultural industry. Anthelmintics are medicines used to remove parasitic worm infections in animals including sheep. Unfortunately, resistance to a lot of these medicines has become a problem in recent years in Northern Ireland.
Resistance is when a population of parasites such as stomach worms can survive within their host animal following correct treatment of an anthelmintic medicine (wormer). This resistance is related to a genetic capability by parasites to adapt and become resistant to the mode of action of these medicines. This capability can develop and become worse over time if action is not taken.
A research study completed in 2011 by McMahon et al proved that there was significant white wormer resistance (81% of flocks investigated) and yellow wormer resistance (14% of investigated flocks) in Northern Ireland. More recently, in 2014, yellow wormer resistance in Northern Ireland was reported to levels reaching almost 50% of flocks and clear wormer resistance in over 20% of flocks. This is a major problem that has developed and undoubtedly has significant economic impacts within the agricultural industry. In the European livestock industry, drug-resistance including anthelmintics was costing at least €38 million per year in treatment costs and production losses in 2020. Furthermore, an estimated parasitic worm cost alone was found of at least €1.8 billion per year.
Resistance can occur due to a variety of reasons including:
- Overuse of worming products when they are not required.
- Underdosing for the bodyweight of the animal being treated.
- Poor choice of timing when using anthelmintics.
- Failure to adhere to quarantine advice.
At Fane Valley, we have a cost-effective solution to help your business avoid anthelmintic resistance and help solve the conundrum of when to worm and what to worm with.
FecPak is a diagnostic tool in our stores that enables fact-based parasite management practices based on worm burdens diagnosed in faecal samples. This tool provides results on worm levels in both sheep and cattle and the species of worm involved from each tested sample. The results are then assessed by our in-store RAMAs (Registered Animal Medicine Advisors) alongside our veterinary team. Your local Fane Valley store can then give specific advice regarding the best worming product to use and when to use it. In-turn, this targeted approach minimises the risk of resistance developing in your flock and reduces inappropriate use of anthelmintics. The benefits for your flock are heavier and healthier livestock which saves both time and money.
Our stores have a guarantee of results on the same day for all samples submitted before noon. For advice on how to collect and store samples, contact your local Fane Valley Store or call 028 92 610 485.
