Just like the weather, parasites can be just as unpredictable, striking stock at varying times with no two years the same.
This means that when it comes to parasite control, decisions around treatments should be based around the risk on the farm at that time, rather than what was done in the previous year.
This has many benefits including:
- Cost saving – by only treating stock when necessary
- Maximising production – by making sure stock are not being compromised by parasites
- Protection – using anthelmintics when necessary will help minimise the development of resistance to the products
While routines can be hard to break, when it comes to parasite control, routine treatments must be replaced with risk-based assessments. One such service available to help with this is Parasite Watch.
What is Parasite Watch?
At Zoetis, we have developed a comprehensive parasite monitoring service that helps farmers and animal health care providers understand the parasite risk in any given area in the UK.
Now in its sixth year the Zoetis Parasite Watch uses a network of 26 farms to monitor worms & fluke. Each of the farms takes faecal egg count (FEC) tests every two weeks with results from each of the farms uploaded to www.parasitewatch.co.uk. This data gives a real-time picture as to what is happening on the ground and combined with weather data is also used to provide a risk score for each area.
How can farmers use the data?
Parasite information from each of the farms is uploaded to parasitewatch.co.uk, giving farmers an early warning sign that there could be a possible risk in their area. They can use the monitoring service, along with data from their own farm such a faecal egg counts to discuss worming plans with their animal health care provider. If you sign up to receive alerts, we will send you an email to let you know about a change in the risk status.
Key benefits of Parasite Watch are:
- Regular updates that provide alerts as to what the parasite risk is
- Farmer: Allows you to discuss the situation in your area with your animal health care provider
- Animal health care provider: Provide local advice to your farmer as to the risks and appropriate management options available
How to get involved
Parasite Watch 2021 will be springing into action in February 2021 ahead of the main parasite season. Sign-up now to receive the alerts by going to www.parasitewatch.co.uk
