Springtime sheep. Picture: Cliff Donaldson
Commodity watch by policy and technical graduate student Kayleigh Meek.
As we are now fully into the summer period (although it may not feel like it to most!), it is the ideal time to start thinking about and preparing for health and disease risks which are more common during autumn and winter months. Early preparations and reminders of what to look out for over the coming months can significantly help with dealing with disease occurrence on farm.
Sheep scab is one of these key areas of concern during the autumn and winter, though is sometimes overlooked by farmers during the busy mart sales, and in recent years, there has also been increasing levels of scab being diagnosed in late summer. This increases the importance of staying vigilant and knowing the signs and symptoms of the disease. The pilot Sheep Scab Project which was administered by Animal Health and Welfare Northern Ireland during August 2022 to October 2023, identified widespread disease across the province, with higher numbers of infected flocks than previously suggested.
Although this project has since ceased, anybody working within the sheep industry is reminded that AHWNI provide key information on the signs to look out for, diagnosis and treatment of sheep scab on their website (https://animalhealthni.com/health-programmes/sheep-scab/). All infected sheep will go through a subclinical stage of disease, where mites are present and can be passed to other animals, but clinical signs may not be visible for up to eight months.
DAERA
It is also very important that DAERA are notified of any suspected cases of sheep scab within a flock by contacting the DAERA helpline on 0300 200 7840 or through the local DAERA Direct Regional Office (https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/contacts/daera-direct-regional-offices).
Whilst an outbreak of this notifiable disease will restrict movements within the flock, these restrictions are very temporary and will be removed following appropriate treatment. In doing so, this will help to protect your own flock, and all other flocks within the community.
Treatment
Options for effective treatment of sheep scab is limited due to the increase of resistance and various regulations on recommended treatments – injectables include ivermectin, an antiparasitic medication which is becoming less and less effective due to resistance. If injectables are used, then animals must be weighed prior to treatment to ensure that the correct dose is provided.
Plunge dipping, whilst considered to be the most effective treatment option for scab, is subject to strict regulations and approved training must have been completed prior to using an organophosphate dip. If this is not possible, mobile dipping contractors can be utilized who will be certified for the safe use of sheep dip and be able to source, apply and dispose of dips correctly and efficiently.
Transmission
Another notable area of concern, which relates to both the transmission of sheep scab and many other diseases is the risk of disease spreading through livestock marts. It is important to note that, although livestock marts are important for many reasons, including socialising with other members of the community, it is very easy for large numbers of animals to become infected if biosecurity advice is not followed. There is concern within the committee that reduced focus on biosecurity could be increasing disease transmission levels across the province.
If there is any indication that your animals could be carrying a transmissible disease, they should not be taken to a livestock mart for sale, or sold through private transactions. Please remember that it is your responsibility to ensure that infected animals are never transported off the farm unless necessary for treatment.
Farmers must also remember that reducing disease transmission risk starts at home. Disinfecting any equipment used before and after transporting animals to the mart will help to prevent the spread of disease, as well as ensuring any incoming stock are quarantined in a clean, disinfected, purpose-built area of the farm. This will ensure that any potentially infected animals can be detected and dealt with accordingly before being introduced to existing stock. Keeping up with on-farm hygiene and biosecurity will not only reduce your individual disease incidences, but also help towards reducing disease across Northern Ireland and beyond.
