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Responsible use of parasiticides in grazing animals
What's the issue?
There is increasing concern amongst veterinary professionals about resistance to treatment in common parasites, posing health and welfare risks for livestock. The is also a growing body of evidence to show the impact of parasiticides on invertebrate species in the environment, many of which are vital for biodiversity and soil health. Treatment of grazing animals with parasiticides is one way in which these enter the environment.
What's our view?
Use of parasiticides in grazing animals needs to be more targeted, and based on diagnostics, rather than relying on blanket treatments at certain times of year. With the vast majority of parasiticides being prescribed by SQPs, vets will need to work with SQPs and farmers to adopt a holistic approach to parasite control as part of wider herd and pasture management. The objective should be to prescribe as much as necessary, but as little as possible. We would also like to see more effective use made of environmental impact assessments and post market studies for parasiticides to better quantify the impact.
What can I do?
Consider how you use parasiticides in practice. Can any of the measures you use to reduce antibiotic use be adapted for parasiticides? Do you follow the key principles of responsible prescribing in the policy position?