Farmers urged to take advantage of vets’ free testing service for sheep scab

SHEEP farmers in Wales are being offered a new free sheep scab testing service.

Sheep scab is an acute skin condition caused by a mite.

Infestations can be debilitating for sheep, potentially causing secondary health problems – and if not properly treated, the condition can cause economic losses for affected farms.

Industry organisation SCOPS (Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep) and red meat levy body Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) are encouraging farmers to take advantage of the free testing service, which is being offered until the end of March.

“The most effective way to treat sheep scab is undoubtedly through testing and diagnosis of suspected cases,” said HCC industry development executive James Ruggeri.

“It’s often very difficult to diagnose scab with the naked eye.

“Treating without testing has two drawbacks – firstly, of course, farmers may be spending on treatments that are unnecessary, but also using endectocides too liberally may increase the risk of resistance developing in future.”

Mr Ruggeri added: “The free testing service is another tool in the farmer’s armoury to combat this condition, along with reviewing quarantine arrangements if scab came into the flock from bought-in sheep and working with neighbours with adjacent fields to co-ordinate diagnosis and treatment.”

Testing is being done at the specialist parasitology department at APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) Carmarthen Veterinary Investigation Centre (VIC), but samples should be sent via vets, accompanied by a full clinical history.

For further information about the free sheep scab testing service, contact Carmarthen VIC by emailing carmarthen@apha.gsi.gov.uk or calling 01267 235244.