Products licensed for control of parasites in sheep in the ROI

A NEW publication ‘Products licensed for control of parasites in sheep in the Republic of Ireland’ has been published by Teagasc. Compiled by Dr Barbara Good, Teagasc Animal & Grassland, Research and Innovation Centre, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway, the new publication is available at https:// www.teagasc.ie

The new publication was launched by Teagasc Director, Professor Gerry Boyle at the Teagasc National Sheep Conference on Tuesday, 30 January, in the Loughrea Hotel and Spa, Loughrea Co. Galway. Professor Boyle said that this is an exceptionally useful reference document for all sheep producers, containing five critical pieces of information on over 140 products. He commended Dr Good on compiling all of this extremely relevant and timely information.

The publication contains information on all available parasite control products, like the brand name, the company name, the active ingredient, the parasites targeted, the route of administration, and the withdrawal period. This is a most important reference for farmers, stockists of products, veterinarians and agricultural advisors.

Wormers for sheep belong to one of 5 families or classes of drugs. Currently the orange and purple group are prescrip- tion only medicines (POM) in Ireland. Results from drench tests, as part of the Sheep Technology Adoption Programme (2013- 2015), revealed treatment failure in 49% of flocks. Results from Irish studies have reported worms resistant to white and yellow Anthelmintic groups in over 88 % and 37 % respectively of Irish flocks examined. A recent study has confirmed the existence of multiple resistance to all 3 non-POM wormer groups in sheep.

The information in the tables was compiled from SPC data sheets on the Health Products Regulatory Authority (www.hpra.ie) and European Medicine Agency websites (www.ema.europa. eu) accessed on the 10/07/17 and to the best of the author’s knowledge the information presented is correct at time of printing. The fact that a product is authorised and listed on the HPRA/EMA website does not necessarily mean that it is marketed in this country. As new information becomes available product details will be regularly updated. It’s recommended that users always read the package leaflet and/or product label and follow recommendations prior to use.

The second Teagasc sheep conference takes place today, Thursday, 1 February, in the Nuremore Hotel, Carrickmacross, Co, Monaghan.