Farming: Vital farmers co-operate to combat sheep scab

More sheep move from farm to farm in the months of August, September and October than at any other time of the year. With this movement of livestock comes problems and this week, NFU Scotland issued a warning over the spread of sheep scab.

New outbreaks of this disease are being reported in the Aberdeenshire area and the union is asking farmers across the whole of Scotland to be vigilant and to protect their sheep stocks against possible outbreaks.

The mites responsible for sheep scab can cause misery to those sheep infected and can be extremely difficult to control. The irritation caused by the mites is a significant welfare issue, while an outbreak of sheep scab can reduce the productivity of the animals and have significant economic effects within a flock.

The disease was eradicated from Scotland in 1952 but made a comeback two decades later. Compulsory dipping of sheep to prevent the spread of the disease ceased in 1992 but in December an announcement is expected bringing new and more effective legislation.

The Sheep Scab Order should allow more effective action to be taken on suspicion of the disease and is expected to come into force at the end of the year. Nigel Miller, NFU Scotland vice-president and a qualified vet, said: "Sheep scab is a very real threat in every part of the country. The next few weeks is a period when many sheep producers need to take specific action because of the increased threat as new animals come on to farm.

"Where scab is known to be a problem, it is also important that farmers work together during the autumn period. Co-ordinated treatment in local areas is an important step to prevent re-infection.

"There is the opportunity for producers to take initiative themselves now and pre-empt this enforcement."