Sheep farmers warned over roundworm threat
© Tim Scrivener Sheep farmers outwintering store lambs and young ewes should be aware of a heightened risk of parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE) and conduct pooled faecal egg counts to inform treatment decisions.
Vet Peers Davies warns that significantly higher temperatures and rainfall compared with the long-term average have allowed roundworms to thrive on pasture, leading to a rise in PGE in particular.
He stresses this is of particular concern to store lambs, as well as young replacement ewes in their first or second winter that are yet to develop full immunity.
He says treatment may be advisable to avoid poor weight gains and lower fertility, adding that risk can continue into February if mild weather persist.
See also: More information on how to treat gutworms
“Looking at weather reports, we see a very significant increase in temperature and rainfall,” says Mr Davies as part of the monthly Nadis parasite forecast.
“Outwintered sheep may need treating and the best way to assess whether there is a requirement to do so is by pooled faecal egg counts.
“At the moment there is a particular increased risk of PGE from roundworms, not normally expected to be as big a problem at this time of year.”