In a time where we are heading for a post-antibiotic era...
..COULD OUR DE-WORMERS SUFFER THE SAME FATE?
Mention drug resistance and most people will automatically relate this incredibly concerning concept with that of Antibiotic resistance, arising as a result of years and years of sometimes unnecessary and careless prescribing just because 'they worked'. Couple this with people not completing a course of antibiotics so some bacteria survive, and we have a selection pressure for resistant bugs.
The same issue is arising against our de-wormers, and is particularly an issue in the livestock sector and is of increasing concern in horses.
We could keep investing time and money in new drugs but unless we change our approach, resistance will still occur. A new drug was made available for use in sheep in 2011 and by 2013 there was a report of potential resistance. It's simply not sustainable.
If we can't use the drugs to treat for parasites when we really need them, we'll have a devastating 'Post-Anthelmintic' situation on our hands, where the welfare of animals will really be compromised.
Responsible Worming is...
...TARGETING THE RIGHT PARASITE, AT THE RIGHT TIME, WITH THE RIGHT DRUG IF NEEDED.
3 STEPS TO RESPONSIBLE WORMING
ASSESS THE RISKS
Complete the pre-program assessment and our SQP will run through a few questions with you regarding husbandry and your animal’s previous worming history. They will then take into account the lifecycles of the parasites that can infect your animal that may be more prevalent dependent on the time of year.
TESTING
If it’s suitable for the target parasite and your animal based on the pre-program assessment, test your animal to check if they require treatment with a wormer. Don’t worm if you don’t have to!
TREAT IF NECESSARY
If your animal requires treatment based on the test results, use the correct wormer for the parasite you wish to target. Our SQP is on hand if you need any help!