Farmers and the Fight Against Worm Resistance

Farmers often depend on anthelmintics to manage gastrointestinal worms in sheep. However, there is a growing concern about the increasing resistance of these worms to the drugs. This has led to calls for more sustainable methods of control. To understand why farmers might be hesitant to adopt these new methods, a small survey was conducted. This survey led to group discussions with farmers, veterinarians, and those who prescribe anthelmintics. The goal was to identify the obstacles that prevent farmers from switching to more sustainable worm control practices in their sheep flocks across the UK. The discussions revealed four main barriers. Firstly, many farmers do not see the need to change their current practices. Secondly, there is a lack of specific information and support for implementing these changes on the farm. Thirdly, farmers often lack confidence in the new approaches. Lastly, practical issues such as time and cost can make it difficult to adopt new methods. Despite these barriers, some farmers have successfully implemented sustainable parasite control. These farmers typically had the support of their veterinarian or a suitably qualified person. The findings were analyzed using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation as drivers of Behaviour model. This model highlights the need for a tailored approach to knowledge exchange. Instead of providing generic advice, it suggests using the skills and experiences of farmers to create personalized solutions. This approach could make it easier for farmers to adopt sustainable worm control practices. It is important to note that the model is just one way to look at the problem. There may be other factors at play that were not captured in this study. For example, the economic pressures on farmers or the lack of access to certain resources could also be significant barriers. One interesting aspect of the study is the role of veterinarians and suitably qualified persons. Their support seems to be crucial in helping farmers make the switch to sustainable practices. This raises the question of how to best train and support these professionals. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of farmer-to-farmer knowledge exchange. Farmers often trust the experiences of their peers more than generic advice. Therefore, creating networks for farmers to share their successes and challenges could be a valuable strategy. The study also prompts a broader reflection on the role of science in agriculture. While scientific research can provide valuable insights, it is not always easy to translate these insights into practical solutions. This is especially true when the solutions require a significant change in behavior. Therefore, it is important for scientists to work closely with farmers and other stakeholders to ensure that their research is relevant and useful. This is not just about communicating the findings of the research. It is also about listening to the needs and concerns of the people who will be implementing the solutions.