The Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) Manual
Endoparasites can cause a wide variety of problems in cattle, including reductions in production, decreases in fertility and poor growth rates.
As an industry it is therefore vitally important that we can control infection in our cattle. This is done by using anthelmintics (wormers). However, there is increasing evidence in the sheep sector of anthelmintic resistance developing within sheep worm populations and although there have been few reported episodes in cattle of anthelminitc resistance, it is important that cattle farmers take action now to protect the wormers that are available to them.
NFU has given its endorsement to an EBLEX / DairyCo initiative, Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) Manual, providing advice on how to use cattle wormers in as cost-effective, reliable and sustainable a way as possible. This initiative is delivered through a set of best practice guidelines which can be downloaded here. These have been based on the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) principles.
In summary, the best practice guidelines for anthelminitc use and worm control in cattle are based on 8 recommendations:
1. Work out a control strategy with your vet or adviser
2. Use effective quarantine strategies to prevent the introduction of resistant worms in brought in cattle
3. Test for wormer efficacy on your farm
4. Administer wormers effectively
5. Use wormers only when necessary
6. Select the appropriate wormer for the task
7. Adopt strategies to keep susceptible worms on your farm
8. Reduce your overall dependence on wormers
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