The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group is highlighting new opportunities for sheep farmers and advisers to build on their knowledge of Haemonchus contortus, with FAMACHA® training from the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies which is already open to vets, and extending to SQPs and farmers from Monday 29th June 2026.

The new training course is available at: https://www.shortcourses.ed.ac.uk/course/famacha.

Also on Monday, SCOPS, the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA) group and industry partners will host a joint webinar exploring Haemonchus in more detail, including how the parasite behaves, the challenges it presents in UK flocks and where FAMACHA® fits as a useful assessment tool. It is not designed to work as a diagnostic test but a reliable assessment, it should never be used in isolation. Speakers on the webinar will include representatives from Moredun, the Sheep Veterinary Society, and Rob Kelly from the University of Edinburgh.

Those interested in joining the webinar can register at the following link: Haemonchus - The challenge of treatment decisions. Tickets, Monday 29 June  •  4 PM - 5:30 PM GMT+1 | Eventbrite.

Nerys Wright of SCOPS explains that the increased interest in Haemonchus needs to be matched with clear, evidence‑based guidance. She says:“Haemonchus is a parasite that generates a lot of discussion and rightly so, but it is essential that decisions are evidence‑led. FAMACHA® is a useful tool when used correctly, but it is not a standalone diagnostic. By opening this training to SQPs and farmers, we are giving people the confidence to use it appropriately and alongside other information. The message is simple: do not jump straight to treatment. Understand the risk, assess the animals and use the testing options available.”

SCOPS is reminding farmers and advisers that a high strongyle FEC does not automatically mean Haemonchus is present and even when it is, clinical haemonchosis does not always follow. Decisions should be based on the full picture: clinical signs, such as anaemia scoring or presence of bottle jaw, performance concerns such as ewe body condition or lamb growth rates, and appropriate testing.

Where Haemonchus is suspected, additional laboratory testing can help clarify the situation. Options include PNA staining through veterinary laboratories and AI‑supported commercial kits that identify strongyle species. These tools provide valuable information and help avoid unnecessary or premature treatment.

Chris Lloyd of RUMA emphasises why the organisation is supporting this joint event: “Responsible parasite control depends on good understanding and good decision‑making. Haemonchus can be challenging, but unnecessary treatments only increase resistance pressure. Bringing the industry together to share practical, balanced guidance is exactly what is needed.”

The combination of new training, a collaborative webinar and accessible SCOPS resources aims to give vets, SQPs and farmers the confidence to recognise Haemonchus risk, use tools appropriately and make informed, sustainable decisions. For anyone wanting background information ahead of the webinar, the SCOPS Podcast channel includes an episode dedicated to Haemonchus.