Wormers to become prescription-only after misuse led to high levels of resistance

Farmers and merchants fear consequences of prescription-only change for these commonly used treatments 

Department of Agriculture sources have said  wormer products for livestock are no longer effective on farms, because they have been overused and misused.

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has pledged to ensure that costs do not increase for farmers due to anti-parasitic treatments becoming prescription-only medicines in January, 2022.

Misuse of the products has led to them becoming ineffective, due to resistance developing in parasites which affect livestock.