Some 350 farmers participating in the Sheep Welfare Scheme who have yet to complete the parasite control measure have received a letter from the Department of Agriculture in the last week. The letter advises farmers that the 30 September deadline for the parasite control (faecal egg count) measure has been extended to Friday, 13 October 2017. The Department is urging farmers to make the necessary arrangements to have this measure completed.

Worm burden

Scheme participants with lowland flocks must carry out a minimum of two faecal egg counts per annum on lambs to establish the worm burden. Queries about the Sheep Welfare Scheme can be made to the Department by phone on 076/1064420 or e-mail sheepscheme@agriculture.gov.ie.