| 2018-01-17 |    |
Sheep Scab Mite Showing Resistance to Endectocide Products
Sheep farmers must take note of recently published evidence of resistance in sheep scab mites to the 3-ML endectocide products, ensuring they only use these products when necessary and follow company instructions carefully.
That’s the advice from SCOPS, who have been aware of this work and in response have already held a Stakeholder and expert workshop to look at how we can effectively manage scab in the light of this new information.
Lesley Stubbings
“Sheep farmers should not be alarmed at this stage,” says Lesley Stubbings of SCOPS.
“A diagnosis is vital in avoiding over-use of scab treatments so, if you think you may have sheep scab, contact your vet who can arrange for a diagnosis. We now also have a blood test that shows whether sheep have been exposed to scab without having to wait to see clinical signs”.
SCOPS urges sheep farmers who suspect that an endectocide treatment may not have been fully effective to check that the dose rate was correct, that the whole group was treated properly, and there’s been no chance of reinfection. They should also report any suspected lack of efficacy to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).
“Farmers should also inform their vet, who can confirm the presence of scab mites and advise on further treatment options,” she says. One option is to remove any remaining mites by plunge dipping in an organophosphorus (OP). ‘
“But remember that an OP dip should not be applied by either a shower or a jetter. Not only is this unlicensed, it’s not an effective treatment against sheep scab.”
SCOPS Chair Peter Baber also recommends that farmers take action to protect themselves, by making sure they quarantine any sheep coming into their flocks, and treat against sheep scab.
“No-one must delay in taking positive action,” he says. The workshop SCOPS held last week drew together the full breadth of expertise available to the industry. We are now formulating a new plan to tackle sheep scab utilising the new tools and approaches available to us which we urgently need to apply as effectively as possible.”
