Moxidectin use in Scottish sheep flocks suggests a need for clearer product labelling and communication of updated SCOPS guidelines.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Guidelines for sustainable use of moxidectin were established in 2020. This study aimed to identify how Scottish sheep farmers are using this key endectocide and estimate its effectiveness against gastrointestinal nematodes. METHODS: Questionnaires were distributed to sheep farmers across Scotland, and analysis focused on moxidectin use in relation to Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) guidelines. Farmers using moxidectin in their flock volunteered to submit post-treatment sheep faecal samples, which were analysed for the presence of gastrointestinal nematodes using faecal egg counts with polymerase chain reaction to determine species. RESULTS: Despite 70% of farmers using moxidectin in 2020, knowledge levels varied: 24% of farmers included other anthelmintics when asked about moxidectin use. Moxidectin was used for a wide variety of reasons, and most farmers did not consistently follow SCOPS guidelines. Despite only 2 of 76 farmers reporting failure of moxidectin treatment, gastrointestinal nematodes were found following moxidectin treatment on five out of six farms tested and included Teladorsagia circumcincta, Cooperia curticei, Haemonchus contortus and Nematodirus sp. CONCLUSION: Findings from this project indicate the need for improved anthelmintic product labelling and farmer support to encourage sustainable use. The presence of nematodes in treated animals is suggestive of anthelmintic resistance.