ISCA requests new dipping scheme
Many farmers will tell you that this has been an especially dire year for sheep scab, with outbreaks rampant in flocks across the country. This proliferation of disease has prompted Willie Shaw, sheep chair of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) to call on the Government to introduce a new sheep dipping scheme as a matter of urgency.
According to Mr Shaw, rampant sheep scab is “having a big impact on the thrive of flocks up and down the country.” Mr Shaw suggested that a scheme paid at a rate of €10 per animal would incentivise farmers to bring outbreaks under control. The ICSA representative’s statement points out that the €4 per ewe payment, currently provided under the National Sheep Welfare Scheme (NSWS), has not been sufficient to address the problem. The current payment is provided to those NSWS participants who selected the plunge dipping option for control of external parasites.
Mr Shaw is calling for a standalone payment for dipping to control skin parasites.
What is scab?
Scab is essentially a type of allergic dermatitis. It occurs when the sheep’s skin reacts to the faeces of a mite commonly called the scab mite (Psoroptes ovis). Sheep suffering from a scab infection can be seen scratching themselves against gates, fence posts or tree trunks. This is due to the intense itching that the condition causes.
Early onset of the disease presents as discoloured patches on the sheep’s fleece. As the ailment worsens, however, the wool starts to fall off revealing skin that is unsightly with scabs, scales and crusting. Lesions, some of which may ooze, are also commonly observed in advanced scab cases. Lack of thrive is an inevitable consequence of severe scab infection, as the discomfort is so severe that it inhibits the animal’s ability to graze.
Farmers should be aware that scab is a notifiable disease. This means that farmers are expected to notify the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) if they have a confirmed or suspected case of scab in their flock. DAFM may be notified through the regional veterinary inspector.
Treating scab
The most common approaches to treating sheep scab are:
1. Dipping with a cypermethrin-based product.
2. Administering an anthelmintic such as ivermectin or moxidectin.
Either one of these will be effective in almost all cases. While the scab mite is a scourge for the afflicted sheep, the parasite is relatively easy to kill with the appropriate product. Below is a description of some of the products sold here at Agridirect.ie that will effectively treat a scab outbreak on your farm. It is always important to consider which product best suits your needs. Before administering any of the below products, always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Cyper Guard
Cyper Guard is a cypermethrin-based dip that is highly effective at treating scab in sheep. It is a pale yellow, clear concentrate dip emulsion that, when added to water, disperses to create a clear microemulsion. Cyper Guard should be administered using a plunge dipping system.
Farmers should note that Cyper Guard’s withdrawal period for meat and offal is 14 days. Cyper Guard should not be used on sheep producing milk for human consumption.
Ectofly and Vector
Other solid choices for preventing blowfly strike are Ectofly and Vector. These are more general-purpose insect repellents, and are used for the treatment and control of ticks, lice and flies. They have a 7-day withdrawal period, making them ideal for use on factory lambs. Ectofly and Vector
Imec
In terms of injection treatment, any ivermectin product will serve. However, I am a great believer in Imec. This is a broad spectrum anti-parasitic that can be used on both cattle and sheep. Aside from treating mites, Imec will also control gastro-intestinal nematodes, lungworms, warbles, mange and lice.
Again, it is important to note that Imec should never be used in lactating animals. As with most Ivermectin-based products, there is a long withdrawal period of 49 days for meat and offal. This may make it a less attractive option than the cypermethrin products for many farmers.
