Reducing Anthelmintic Resistance in Sheep

Reducing anthelmintic resistance in Irish sheep farming requires targeted use of dewormers, FECRT testing, and strategic management. Key actions include avoiding routine treatment of adult ewes, using only white drenches (BZ) for Nematodirus in lambs, implementing quarantine drenching with group 4-AD plus group 2-IV or 3-ML, and conducting regular faecal egg counts from weaning onward. Samples should be collected when animals are most active and stored properly if delayed. A threshold of over 500 epg indicates treatment is needed. Consult a vet to interpret results and guide decisions. Resistance to benzimidazole, levamisole, and ivermectin is widespread, with 88%, 39%, and 11% of farms testing positive respectively.