Sheep scab concerns flare around sale season
© Tim Scrivener Renewed vigilance on sheep scab from everyone involved in autumn breeding sheep sales is being called for by Northern Irish sheep leaders, who say the disease is a “real concern”.
According to Ulster Farmers Union policy adviser David McClure, buyers, sellers and marts have a responsibility to ensure sheep visibly affected with scab should not be presented at breeding sheep sales, he said.
See also: Scab data show seriousness of problem for NI
This warning follows the cancellation of sheep classes at a Perthshire show in Scotland because of fears about the condition.
“The scab mite is difficult to see with the naked eye, making it challenging for purchasers of infected animals to identify that their new stock are already playing host to a potential nightmare that will soon unfold,” said Mr McClure.
Dipping code of practice update
Sustainable Control of Parasites (Scops) will announce updates to the Code of Practice for Mobile Sheep Dipping and discuss how sheep can be dipped effectively and safely at an upcoming webinar for farmers, contractors and prescribers.
The main updates focus on:
- How dip can be supplied to mobile contractors
- Role of farmers, contractors and prescribers in ensuring dipping is done properly and legally.
Webinar details
- When: 1pm Thursday 7 September
- Where: Register on Zoom
“Intense itching and wool loss are among the earliest signs visible to the farmer. However, this sometimes only occurs months after the initial infestation.”
Last year, a pilot project found 106 flocks were infected, which amounted to 75% of surveyed farms.
Mr McClure said: “The pilot project, which was delivered last year by Animal Health and Welfare Northern Ireland (AHWNI), has made great progress in raising the profile of this highly contagious disease and provided an insight into the practical challenges associated with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sheep scab in Northern Ireland (NI).”
Tips on scab control
- Infection Remember, scab can transmit at any time of year. Livestock trailers and scanning trailers can spread infection
- Quarantine To avoid issues coming in, quarantine all incoming stock. Blood tests can confirm scab
- Treat Treatments are plunge-dipping in organophosphate (OP) solution and ivermectin-based injectable products
- Treat properly Do not use showers and jetters to apply OP products. OP is licensed for plunge-dipping only. A sub-lethal dose from a shower would likely encourage resistance to develop
- Make sure Consult with your vet if you are concerned scab might be in your flock, and have it identified properly
Source: Ulster Farmers Union