It may not feel like it, but spring is just around the corner, and with it, the annual deadly threat from the roundworm Nematodirus in lambs.

The good news is, the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group is again providing an invaluable forecasting tool, on its website. Developed by the Bristol Veterinary School, the tool shows an interactive map with a traffic light system of warnings provided alongside practice advice for assessing on-farm risk.

Dr Hannah Vineer, senior research associate from the Bristol Veterinary School, who developed the online tool, said: “We could be in for a high-risk season, if this late cold snap is followed by a rapid increase in temperature. Such conditions will cause the Nematodirus battus parasite to hatch in large numbers, posing a massive threat to lambs aged around four to six weeks.

“Predicting when outbreaks might happen at a local level is becoming increasingly difficult, due to variation in spring temperatures from year to year. Farmers can no longer rely on a standard timetable of treatments to avoid disease, hence the important role of this easy-to-use forecast. Sheep farmers, vets and advisers can all use it to assess regional and local risk.”

The forecast map is updated daily using data from more than 140 weather stations around the UK, tracking changes in risk throughout the spring and early summer.

The interactive map allows farmers and advisers to select the nearest or most representative weather station, providing advice on how to relate the predicted risk to their particular farm, treatment options and possible management actions.

Lesley Stubbings, independent sheep consultant, speaking on behalf of the SCOPS group, added: “We are delighted to offer the forecast again this year. Previous users have found it very useful, giving them greater confidence about when it is safe to move lambs or treat them to avoid the risk of nematodirus.

"Survey data collected by SCOPS shows more than 90% of users changed their approach to nematodirus control by using the forecast, and many reported a significant improvement in lamb health, lower losses and better lamb condition.”