Ovis Management project manager Dan Lynch said just 0.59% of lambs processed in the season ended October 31 had sheep measles.
That was down from 0.64% the previous season.
The detection rate in lambs at processing reflected a continuing level of onfarm control being exerted by farmers, Lynch said.
“This is a great outcome.
“It is now rare to meet a sheep farmer not treating their dogs for sheep measles.”
Latest survey data showed farmers continuing to move to monthly treatments to break the life cycle of the parasite.
“Over the years we have met many people treating their dogs on a three-monthly basis for parasites and telling us they are on a sheep measles programme.
“In actual fact they are on a dog health programme and relying on a three-monthly dog treatment programme for sheep measles control, which is inappropriate when you are seeking to control a parasite with a 35-day life cycle,” Lynch said.
Farmers were also increasingly asking visitors such as contractors and hunters not to take dogs onto farms or, if they must, for evidence of treatment.
Ovis Management was closely monitoring the higher sheep measles prevalence in trading lambs compared to those bred and finished on the same farm.
That was despite suppliers finishing lambs having the same level of onfarm control as breeder-finishers.
Ovis Management was continually looking at methods of increasing feedback to breeders not finishing lambs because the feedback loop ended with the finisher.
“We are looking to target back down the production chain to ensure lamb breeders who are not sending stock for processing are aware of the need to have an effective onfarm control programme in place,” Lynch said.
