SmartWorm

SmartWorm is a world-first app to enable farmers conduct targeted selective worm treatment (TST) based on an advanced algorithm. This enables a sheep farmer to reduce their use of wormers by 40% without any loss of animal performance. This is achieved by identifying in real time which animals would or would not benefit from a wormer treatment.

The algorithm calculates a lambs potential growth rate based on a number of factors (liveweight gain, rainfall, temperature, pasture availability and pasture quality) and gives them an individual target. If they are not reaching this target, it recommends treating the animal.

Controlling parasites is one of the biggest challenges facing sheep farmers. Modern parasite control is becoming unsustainable due to resistance issues with anthelmintics (wormers) on most farms, and is costing British farmers millions each year. The 2015 WAARD Project in Wales showed that out of 47 farms tested, 94% have resistance to Benzimidazole (1-BZ), 68% have resistance to Levamisole (2-LV) and 51% of have resistance to Ivermectin (3-ML).

SmartWorm preserves the efficacy of anthelmintics by reducing their use to as much as necessary but as little as possible. This is crucial to maintain existing production levels, protect social licence and facilitate the sustainable intensification of agriculture into the future.