[Jukes Mum]

I am sure that this information is on this site somewhere, but I do not appear to be able to find it!

My ewes (in theory!!) are due to lamb at the end of March.
I plan to 'Heptavac' them 4 weeks prior to lambing. Should I also worm them at this time? Or wait until they have lambed before they are put back out, or....?
Also, which wormer type should I use? 
I did have a worm issue in the summer and only have one field.
Any advice much appreciated 

[SallyintNorth]

It's usual, if worming adult ewes at all, to worm them as they lamb, as there is an increase in worm production at birth.  A lot of people only worm the twin- and triplet-bearers.

Whereabouts are you?  (Should know, can't remember, sorry.   )  Up here we wouldn't expect worms to be a problem in March, still too cold, but if you are down south that may be different.

Our ewes would be getting a fluke dose and maybe something for exoparasites in the month or two before lambing - but again it will depend on your climate, ground and local conditions.

[Foobar]

Inject them with Cydectin 2% LA two weeks before lambing, or at lambing, whichever is convenient.  It has a persistent effect so will last nearly 2 months and covers the ewes during their compromised lambing period.
Covers you for scab too.
One injection just below the ear - takes a bit of practice so have someone hold the head whilst you inject.

[Rosemary]

We worm and fluke as they lamb. This year we're using Albex at the fluke dose - mainly because that's what we have to hand. Personally, I'd rather drench than inject 

That's the only time we worm the ewes. We also fluke them in October, before tupping and January, when they are in to be scanned.

[Foobar]

Personally, I'd rather drench than inject 

Yes, me too, but the benefits of that product outweigh the inconvenience.  My lambs do much better since I started using it at lambing time (i.e. they suffer less with worms throughout the year and grow better).  Also, I have to cover for scab annually so this ticks that box too.

[Jukes Mum]

Oh heck, now I think I might be even more confused (it doesn't take much )
Sally, I am in North Yorkshire.

So reading your replies it seems
- I should have fluked them in October (I don't think fluke is too much of an issue around here though and the field is very dry.
- They should be fluked (is fluked a word?) when they are scanned (end Jan). I could use Albex (I have some!) at Fluke dose and this would cover worms as well, but not any external parasites
- They should be 'fluked' at lambing- as you say this protects the lambs, I assume that you worm the lambs as well then?
- or....Inject them with Cydectin 2% LA two weeks before lambing, or at lambing. If injected at lambing, do you do the lambs as well?

 

[fsmnutter]

Worming depends on multiple factors, from stocking density, location in the country, to weather, to individual farm conditions.
Id suggest looking at the scops website and talking to your vet and or feed store as they will be able to help you with local conditions.

[Backinwellies]

speak to your vet ..... fluke may not be a problem where you are so no need to fluke dose.  As for worming adult ewes do at lambing  and then that should cover them and lambs for a large part of the year. Lambs will need nematodirus wormer  later.   but you may not need to worm ewes again (a FEC sample would confirm this)

I too use cydectin  ... I have worm resistance to white wormers here.

[ladyK]

I can see Cydectin seems to be available as a drench as well.
Would that have the same effect?

[Foobar]

I can see Cydectin seems to be available as a drench as well.
Would that have the same effect?

Nope, it's not the same strength.  I mean yes, it will kill worms but it doesn't have the same persistent effect. And it doesn't deal with scab.
http://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/Pfizer_Limited/Cydectin_20_mg_ml_LA_Solution_for_Injection_for_Sheep/-49356.html
vs
http://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/Pfizer_Limited/Cydectin_0_1_ACU-_w_v_Oral_Solution_for_Sheep/-45306.html


this is a helpful doc:
http://www.ecsrhm.eu/CydectinLongActing.pdf

[Foobar]

- or....Inject them with Cydectin 2% LA two weeks before lambing, or at lambing. If injected at lambing, do you do the lambs as well?

You don't do the lambs, just the ewes.

[Marches Farmer]

I worm mine before tupping, following SCOPS guidelines on switching wormer groups and keeping them on the same field for 48 hours before moving to fresh ground.  I worm a day before they're due to move from theie individual mothering up pen to the nursery shed, so any resistant worms are shovelled onto the muckheap when the pen's cleaned out ready for the next ewe.

[Me]

If the worms are resistant they will still be inside the ewe and will carry on their wormy lives shedding eggs in the faeces onto the pasture

[Womble]

"Residual" perhaps?

[Me]

Maybe! I like your tag line Womble