The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group is warning of resistance to the 4-AD group of anthelmintics (monepantel) in the Netherlands in sheep nematodes.

The full details are not yet available, but the group understands this situation has arisen because the farms have relied on the 4-AD product because they have resistance to all the other classes available to them.

This comes as a timely warning to the UK, warns Peter Baber, SCOPS chairman and sheep farmer, who said: "This is exactly the situation SCOPS predicted would occur if we do not integrate the new groups into worm control strategies before the older products become ineffective.

"There are still a large number of UK farms where one or more of the three older groups remain effective. If we carefully integrate the 4-AD and 5-SI products into worm control programmes now, it will extend the useful life of all groups."

* Meanwhile, Alyn Smith SNP MEP and honorary president of the Scottish SPCA, has vowed to continue the fight against indirect EU subsidies for bullfighting, following a narrow defeat in Strasbourg on Wednesday.

Mr Smith's group proposed a budget amendment that would have stopped farmers from using subsidies from the Common Agricultural Policy to rear bulls destined for the bullfighting rings of Spain.

Vowing that the fight to defend animal rights in Europe isn't over, Mr Smith said: "We are now closer than ever before to ending EU subsidies for this barbaric and outdated sport. The European Parliament has made a political statement against the indirect subsidising of bullfighting with EU money."

Market round-up

THE Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart had 28 prime cattle forward in Dumfries on Wednesday when heifers sold to 231.5p per kg and averaged 209p, while bullocks peaked at 198.5p and levelled at 195.1p.

There were 85 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 118.2p and dairy cows levelled at 87.2p.

The firm also sold 1557 prime lambs to a top of £78 per head and 209p per kg to average 155.7p (+4.9p on the week).

The 721 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £105.50 for Texels and average £63.96 (-£2.31), while light ewes peaked at £74.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £44.30 (+£3.93).

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1090 prime lambs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to £75 and 185p to average 157.2p (+9p).

There were also 405 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £76.50 for Texel crosses and £59 for Blackfaces.