Test and target sheep parasites

Testing, forecasting and targeted treatments will play a key role in the range of measures for tackling worm and parasite infections in the national sheep flock – and will be as important as the development of new products.

That was the view of a number of scientists involved in finding ways of addressing many of the major issues affecting the nation’ sheep flock.

Speaking at a briefing yesterdayorganisedbythesustainablecontrolofparasites in Sheep (SCOPS) – a coalition of scientists, researchers and farmers drawn together to do what is says on the tin – Moredun’s Dr Philip Skuce said that with a limited number of new treatments coming down the pipeline it made sense for the sectortomakethemostofwhat it already had.

And this included adopting measures which countered the tendency for over-use of individual treatments and practices which could lead to resistance among worms and other parasites.

Dr Fiona Kenyon, also from the institute, highlighted work on selective targeted treatment which used computer algorithms to predict expected growth rates in lambs – and which identified those failing to meet expectations, so only they needed to be treated.

And while this not only reduces the chances of encouraging resistance, it alsosavesfarmersmoneyin terms of lower drug usage and of farm labour.

However, she pointed out that the targeted selective treatment (TST) approach required the adoption of precision livestock farming techniques which was still low in the sheep sector – and the barriers to uptake are being investigated.

A new restaurant and cafe is set to open in Kirkliston, to the west of Edinburgh, after a property deal was struck.

A 15-year lease has been agreed on the 1,800-square foot property between landlord Devon Designs and an “experienced operator”.

Iain Mercer, director of commercial agency (east) for Allied Surveyors Scotland, which brokered the deal for the Main Street premises, said: “Despite the pandemic and challenges faced by the hospitality trade, it is refreshing to see restaurant businesses spotting opportunities and continuing to expand.”

Allied Surveyors Scotland currently has 32 offices in Scotland. The business, which employs some 160 people, launched its east coast commercial agency in April 2018.

The Kirkliston letting comes amid a torrid time for the hospitality sector as restaurants and cafes battle lockdowns and restrictions on trading under measures to try to reduce the spread of the virus.