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Table 1 The questions posed and potential responses to the questionnaire, together with the number (N) and percentage (%) of flock owners indicating the applicable response

From: Control of Nematodirus spp. infection by sheep flock owners in Northern Ireland

Question

Potential Response

Percentage (number of respondents)

Do you treat specifically for Nematodirus spp. infection?

Yes

No

81.6 (186)

18.4 (42)

How is the decision made to treat the animals?

AFBI forecast

Faecal egg count

Presence of scour

Advice of veterinarian

Advice of other farmers

Same day annually

Dependent on weather

At turnout

At 6 weeks of age

As needed

19.7 (45)

7.9 (18)

47.4 (108)

14.5 (33)

53 (12)

23.7 (54)

6.6 (15)

1.3 (3)

5.3 (12)

5.3 (12)

Is every animal treated, or is only a percentage treated?

100%

<100%

97.4 (222)

2.6 (6)

How is the volume of drench determined?

Estimate individual

Group average

Heaviest in group

Weigh individual

40.3 (92)

10.2 (23)

48.2 (110)

1.3 (3)

Is the equipment checked before use?

Never

Sometimes

Always

17.3 (39)

52.0 (119)

30.7 (70)

Where is the product stored when not in use?

Fridge

Cabinet/Cupboard

Garage/Shed/Workshop

11.0 (25)

69.9 (159)

19.1 (44)

Is “best before” date checked before use?

Never

Sometimes

Always

8.0 (18)

29.3 (67)

62.7 (143)

  1. (As the decision to treat is often multi-factorial, the denominator for percentage calculation is set as the number of returned questionnaires (228) and the numerator is the tally of flock owners indicating each potential response)