What consideration has the Welsh Government given to ensuring Welsh farms are safeguarded from the rising prevalence of the haemonchus contortus parasite in the UK as a result of climate change?
The Animal Plant and Health Agency, our delivery partner on this issue, actively work to raise awareness and reduce the prevalence of H. contortus across GB. APHA has a full diagnostic capability to diagnose this disease in Wales. Effective treatment is also available but there are reports worldwide about some anthelmintic resistance of the parasite.
Between July and October 2022, APHA offered free testing for H. contortus in farms where there was suspicion of haemonchosis due to anaemia and subcutaneous oedema with no diarrhoea. Across GB, H. contortus was detected in 207 (including 19 from Wales) submissions out of 256 (representing 81%).
APHA have issued communications to the veterinary profession about the threat of haemonchosis. They also issue alerts when there is an increased threat of H. contortus via the Endemic Disease Alert System. Welsh Government ensures such communications are shared with both veterinary practitioners and farmers, and that surveillance data was enhanced through provision of government-funded testing, when the disease threat was at its peak.