The Parasight

Weather and worms: farm risks explained - August 2025

Description: this month, Ben emphasises how weather patterns influence disease risk and provides an update on how current conditions are affecting parasite activity. He reports a high number of Haemonchus cases in certain areas across the country and outlines the key signs to look for during a post-mortem. He stresses that each farm is different, and that specific farm issues should be considered before selecting treatment options.

Ben also shares a few recent cases of Nematodirus in lambs and discusses how to respond, depending on post-mortem findings. Finally, he explains the link between grass length and worm risk in lambs and discusses options for managing that risk.

Mastitis and worms: hidden challenges for lambs - July 2025

Description: this month, Ben covers a few cases of mastitis in ewes, discussing contributing factors, treatment options, and the impact on lamb growth rates. He then explores the causes of poor lamb growth, strategies to prevent it, and how this can affect future worm burdens.

Ben then covers how current grass growth is influencing worm burdens and the resulting impact on lamb performance, along with the diseases that can arise during periods of increased grass growth. Finally, he discusses a case in which two seemingly healthy lambs died unexpectedly and explains how targeted WEC monitoring can help prevent similar losses.

Cattle health: worm control watch outs - June 2025

Description: this month, Ben discusses two cases highlighting the importance of timely diagnostics and worm control in cattle.

In the first case, a group of spring-born calves were found to have a low worm burden following a composite worm egg count test. However, by mid-March, three calves began to lose condition. All were treated with a wormer, but one died shortly after. Post-mortem findings revealed type 2 ostertagiasis. This is followed by a discussion on the watch outs of worm egg count tests and other diagnostic options available.

Ben also covers a case involving bought-in heifers, which were wormed one month after housing. One died ten days after calving. A post-mortem revealed adult lungworms, raising concerns about potential anthelmintic resistance.

Coccidiosis, Nematodirus & Haemonchus - May 2025

Description: this month, Ben first covers why lambs are dying from starvation and chilling. He then goes on to explain the current situation with coccidiosis and nematodirus in lambs, including when to watch out for them. Finally, Ben discusses a 200-ewe flock diagnosed with haemonchosis, highlighting how this parasite might be adapting to become more cold-tolerant and pose an early-season threat the following year.

Treating fluke: common problems - April 2025

Description: this month, Ben shares two cases. In the first, bought-in hoggs were found to have resistant worms, highlighting the importance of using a quarantine dose such as the group 4 wormer Zolvix™. In the second case, Haemonchus was found, indicating that worms had overwintered in the hogg’s abomasum. Finally, Ben warns that as spring has arrived, it’s worth thinking about which parasites are on the move and how to prevent them.

Treating fluke: common problems - March 2025

Description: This month, Ben discusses the unpredictability of liver fluke this season,  which is influenced by the mild winter and wet conditions. He explains the importance of identifying the stage of fluke you’re targeting to select the correct treatment, as well as the diagnostics needed for accurate treatment. Ben also shares a few fluke cases, including one where housed tups were treated with triclabendazole, but resistance was suspected after continued condition loss and a death. He then explains what could have been done differently, including the tests available. Ben also describes how liver fluke in cattle can act as a reservoir. Finally, Ben touches on infectious abortion in sheep and emphasises the importance of analysing silage for pregnant suckler cows to ensure optimum cow health.

Sheep liver fluke: mistakes to avoid in ewes - February 2025 (part 2)

Description: Ben discusses three cases of liver fluke in ewes, including triclabendazole resistance, highlighting the importance of knowing the fluke’s life stage for effective treatment. He stresses the need to use the right actives at the right time for effective liver fluke control to optimise sheep health. He also emphasises the value of analysing silage for energy, and the various benefits this can provide for your flock.

Wintering sheep: hidden worms - February 2025 (part 1)

Description: Ben discusses a case where poor-looking hogs were treated with triclabendazole under the assumption they had fluke. However, after a post-mortem examination, worms and a selenium deficiency were found. He then goes on to describe what the farmer could have done differently to prevent any damage to sheep health, including the various diagnostic and treatment options.

Lamb finishing issues and setting your ewes up for success - January 2025

Description: This month, Ben explains the various reasons why your tail-end store lambs may be struggling to finish. He then describes the different diagnostic options available to identify these issues, helping you plan ahead and prevent them from occurring in the future. Additionally, Ben highlights how you can prepare ewes for lambing, emphasising the importance of analysing silage to ensure ewes receive sufficient protein and energy during this critical period where nutritional problems arise. He then explains why these nutritional needs are vital for their health.

Managing winter sheep & cattle parasites: liver fluke, worms, & more - November 2024

Description: Despite the sudden drop in temperature, Ben explains that he is still observing random cases of liver fluke in sheep. He emphasises the importance of continuing blood monitoring in lambs to help determine the optimal time to treat them, as failing to do so could have serious consequences for sheep health. Ben also notes that the cold weather has slowed the reinfection rate for worms following treatment. Additionally, Ben discusses the impact of cattle parasites, such as lungworm in calves around housing time. He highlights key timings for lungworm treatment and stresses the importance of avoiding sudden changes in diet, as well as maintaining good ventilation for calf and cow health during the housing period.

Pasteurella in sheep and magnesium in cattle - October 2024

Description: This month, Ben emphasises the need to plan properly for weaning time, ensuring lambs have the best chance to survive. He explains how the shifting temperatures have led to a rise in Pasteurella in lambs, often with a selenium deficiency, and describes which lambs are most vulnerable to this disease. Ben also discusses how poorer ewes are at risk during the weaning period due to the volatile weather conditions. He warns about the issues related to creep feeding lambs and the impacts this can have on their health. Furthermore, Ben describes the problems associated with low magnesium levels in cattle and the increased demand from their calves. Finally, Ben provides an update on lungworm and liver fluke.

Liver fluke, Haemonchus, and lungworm - September 2024

Description: In this shortened edition of the Parasight, we are joined by Cammy Wilson from The Sheep Game. This month, Ben explains how to diagnose lungworm in cattle, and the negative impacts of Haemonchus, liver fluke, and other worm species on sheep health.