Useful links

There is a wealth of information available on parasite control, but it can sometimes be difficult to know which sources to trust. The links below are resources that we use and recommend, providing reliable, evidence-based information on parasites, faecal egg counting, responsible anthelmintic use and sustainable parasite management. They include guidance from respected UK, European and international organisations, as well as useful resources for specific animal species.

British Veterinary Association — Responsible Use of Parasiticides

What it is:

The British Veterinary Association's 2025 policy on responsible parasiticide use in sheep, cattle, horses, goats and camelids.

It highlights the growing problem of parasiticide resistance and recommends moving away from routine blanket treatments towards diagnostic-led, targeted treatment — using as much as necessary, but as little as possible.

SCOPS — Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep

What it is:

The main UK industry resource for sustainable parasite control in sheep. SCOPS provides practical, evidence-based guidance on worms, liver fluke and external parasites, including FECs, treatment decisions, anthelmintic resistance, refugia, quarantine and checking treatment efficacy.

Its core principles include reducing reliance on treatments through management, monitoring and diagnosis and minimising selection for resistance.

COWS — Control of Worms Sustainably

What it is:

The cattle equivalent of SCOPS.

COWS provides independent guidance on sustainable control of parasites in cattle, including gastrointestinal worms, lungworm and liver fluke, with an emphasis on appropriate testing, treatment and slowing the development of anthelmintic resistance.

SCOPS and COWS jointly advocate treatment only where necessary and ideally supported by diagnosis or risk assessment.

CANTER — Equine parasite control

What it is:

UK guidance dedicated to sustainable parasite control in horses. 

CANTER promotes moving away from routine worming programmes towards risk-based testing and targeted treatment, helping preserve the effectiveness of equine wormers and slow the development of resistance.

SPARC — Sustainable Parasite Control in Grazing Ruminants

What it is:

A major European collaborative project bringing together researchers, vets, farmers and advisers to improve sustainable worm control in grazing ruminants.

Its focus is on reducing anthelmintic resistance while maintaining effective parasite control.

The site has a growing knowledge hub covering cattle, sheep and goats and is particularly useful for European research and resources.

WOAH — Responsible and prudent use of

anthelmintics

What it is:

WOAH is the World Organisation for Animal Health.  This is their International guidance on responsible anthelmintic use in grazing livestock.

It explains the global significance of anthelmintic resistance and sets out principles designed to maintain effective parasite control while reducing selection for resistance.

Moredun

What it is:

Moredun is a leading animal health research organisation, carrying out research into infectious diseases and parasites affecting livestock. Their website provides excellent evidence-based information and educational resources, including some particularly useful animated videos explaining parasite lifecycles and disease.

Well worth exploring their animations and other educational resources.

National Animal Disease Information Service (NADIS)


What it is:

A useful source of practical, veterinary-led information on diseases and health conditions affecting livestock, camelids, game birds and poultry.

Includes a wealth of information on parasites, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

NOAH Compendium

What it is:

An easy-to-use source of official datasheets for authorised veterinary medicines in the UK, including information on indications, dosage, contraindications, withdrawal periods and safe use.

Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD)

What it is:

The UK government body responsible for the regulation of veterinary medicines.

Its Product Information Database can be used to check which veterinary medicines are currently authorised in the UK and access their official product information.

European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP)

What it is:

Provides independent, evidence-based guidance on the control and treatment of parasites in companion animals and equines.

Their website includes excellent downloadable guidelines, factsheets and practical parasite-control information for both animal owners and professionals.

Particularly useful for their detailed parasite-control guidelines.
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