The latest Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) Nematodirus Hatching Forecast shows a mixed picture across the UK.
In many parts of England, the midlands and south Wales, hatching is nearing, or at peak and in southern England we are already past peak hatching (as designated by a red triangle), in several areas, which means the main risk period has passed.
This variation means that it is vital farmers and advisors focus on the key drivers of Nematodirus risk this spring alongside the forecast to decide if and when to treat lambs.
SCOPS technical advisor and independent sheep consultant Nerys Wright stressed that understanding what’s happening on your own farm is more important than simply looking at the forecast map.
MS Wright said: “For many flocks, lambs are currently too young to be at meaningful risk, which is good news, but it means lamb age must be considered before worrying about local hatch status. Grazing exposure also plays a major role: high risk fields are those grazed by lambs last year because they carry overwintered eggs”.
New podcast and webinar now available
To support farmers, SQPs and vets, SCOPS has released a new Nematodirus Hatching Forecast podcast, available across all major podcast platforms, where forecast users talk about how they get the most from it.
A recent webinar also provides detail on how the forecast operates together with practical guidance for on‑farm decisions and is available on the SCOPS YouTube channel.
Exit survey now live
SCOPS has also launched a short exit survey to gather feedback from users of the Nematodirus hatching forecast.
When leaving the forecast webpage, a brief pop‑up will invite users to share feedback. This five-minute input will help SCOPS make further improvements to ensure the forecast continues to meet the needs of the UK sheep sector.
Three factors that determine Nematodirus risk
SCOPS reminds farmers that an effective risk assessment depends on combining all three of the following:
* Lamb age – typically, lambs are most vulnerable between 6-12 weeks.
* Grazing Risk – fields grazed by lambs in the previous year.
* Local forecast status – whether hatch activity is rising, peaking or declining.
SCOPS reiterated that unlike other worm species, FECs cannot give a guide to the need for Nematodirus treatment. This is because it is the ingestion of large numbers of immature larvae (not laying eggs) that cause clinical disease.
