Sheep producers have been advised to monitor their flocks for haemonchus, a gut worm that is becoming increasingly prevalent in the North of England, according to vet, Dawn Bowness. While she stressed that there was no need to panic, producers were urged to closely monitor adult sheep and lambs for signs of haemonchosis. It causes anaemia and infected sheep will fail to thrive, with weight gain and general performance failing to meet expectations. If left unchecked it will cause fatalities, and losses can be extensive across the flock.”Unlike many of the other worms that affect sheep, haemonchus infection does not lead to scouring. Haemonchus should certainly be on the radar for all sheep producers from early spring until late autumn,” said Ms Bowness.