‘‘Anti-parasitic resistance is a major challenge to the health of animals in the country and can impact on the profitability of farms. Recent analysis carried out by Teagasc found worrying levels of resistance to anti-parasitic medicines on the farms in the study.”
This is according to Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Charlie McConalgue, who was speaking at a newly launched parasite control strategy aimed at bovine and ovine farmers. The project is a partnership of the Parasite Control Strategy (PCS) and the Animal Health Ireland (AHI), who will deliver the programme.
In its aim to assist farmers with the dilemma the project will do farm visits and veterinary consultations at no extra cost to the farmer, and will be provided for under the funding. Farmers are also expected to receive advice relating specifically to faecal egg sampling and interpretation.
Farmers interested in the project have been encouraged to register for the programme via the AHI portal as they will receive individual assistance regarding parasite control recommendations following the veterinarian visit and consultation. Minister McConalogue says the new measure will assist in reducing the frequency of treatments alongside identifying non-effective treatments.
From June this year, anti-parasitic medicines may only be supplied via veterinary prescription.
LSL News.