We conclude that despite variations between hill sheep farm conditions and levels of input, similar health concerns and
ectoparasite issues were found across different hill sheep farming areas of the UK. Farm labour was also an important issue and
most farmers would prefer more labour to be available to effectively manage ectoparasites in their flocks. Finally, there was
variation in farmers’ opinions of the impact of ectoparasite species on welfare and productivity. This variation in opinion can be
related to a trend in their past experience of ectoparasites, but no relationships were found with the animal health treatments
farmers use, the number of animals in their flock or variation in the type of grazing land available