Vets: test for the effectiveness of worming treatments in sheep
Applies to England
Test type and sampling
You should use a worming treatment check to test how well a worming treatment has worked.
Follow guidance on how to carry out a SCOPS worming treatment check.
If the first round of sampling does not show worm eggs present, you do not need to carry out further sampling. You’ll still need to report the results of the initial egg count.
You should use a worming treatment that has one of the following active chemicals:
- Benzimidazole (BZ)
- Levamisole (LV)
- Macrocyclic lactones (ML)
- Amino-acetonitrile derivatives (AD)
- Spiroindoles (SI)
Test sample laboratory analysis
Send the individual faeces samples for a composite worm egg count for analysis to a laboratory that meets one or more of these specifications:
- ISO/IEC 17025 accredited
- UKAS accredited (UK accredited) for a worm egg count
- part of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) VetQAS worm eggs count proficiency scheme and has provided results defined by the z-score as satisfactory
A farmer will not be eligible for funding unless samples are tested at a laboratory that meets at least one of these specifications. Testing must only be carried out at a recommended laboratory even if you have access to equipment or a device provided by an accredited laboratory.
Find a recommended laboratory to carry out a Worming Treatment Check test in sheep.
Test results
You should:
-
discuss the test results and any further action with the farmer as part of the review
-
include test results in the written report you give to the farmer with appropriate recommendations
The farmer can use the test results for other accreditation schemes they're a member of. The farmer should check with the accreditation scheme that they’ll accept testing from the review.