A comparison of the current anthelmintic protocols used to control gastrointestinal nematodes in UK lowland sheep flocks and associated professional advice provided to farmers.

The overeliance on uninformed anthelmintic use is a concern on the sustainability of control of parasitic gastroenteritis in UK sheep flocks. This pilot study aims to find out how knowledgable UK lowland sheep farmers feel when when considering anthelmintics and their source of guidance. Also to describe current anthelmintic protocols used on farms in breeding ewes and lambs. An online survey was distributed to UK lowland sheep farmers, and 128 responses provisionally analysed.

Veterinarians and other suitably-qualified-professionals were popular sources of advice for the farmers, having large influence on their decision making, but sustainable advice was not always adhered to. Macrocyclic lactones in the breeding ewes and the benzimidazoles in the lambs are the most commonly used anthelmintics. Frequently farmers were blanket treating all animals, but many did not consider results of diagnostic tests prior to treatment. This study highlights the importance of regular engagement with farmers to support sustainable control practices for gastrointestinal nematodes in UK lowland sheep flocks.