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Webinar planned on mobile sheep dipping code of practice
Changes have been made around the supplying of organophosphate to mobile contractors.

The webinar will focus on changes to the code.

The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group will be sharing information about updates to the Code of Practice for Mobile Sheep Dipping in a free webinar on Thursday, 7 September 2023.

The main changes are around the supply of organophosphate to mobile contractors for use on clients’ farms, and the role of farmers, contractors and prescribers to make sure that it is done legally.

The webinar will discuss effective, safe dipping, with a focus on the role of mobile sheep dippers in tackling sheep scab.

Speaking on behalf of SCOPS, independent sheep consultant Lesley Stubbings said: “SCOPS has been and will continue to be very vocal about how important it is for sheep not to be treated with an OP dip in a jetter or shower.

“These application routes are not licenced for OPs and deliver a sub-lethal dose of the product, encouraging the development of resistance to organophosphates. We already have sheep scab mites that are resistant to injectable treatments so cannot afford to have resistance to OPs too.

“Safe, effective dipping is important for all sheep farmers whether you are dipping yourself or using a contractor – so this SCOPS webinar will be a useful one-hour session for everyone.”

The Mobile Sheep Dipping Code of Practice was created in 2021 as a collaboration between a number of industry organisations, including SCOPS and the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) in conjunction with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.

Jill Hewit, NAAC chief executive, added: “Our mobile sheep dipping members offer a professional service to their farmer clients and we’re delighted members will be able to work more effectively under the updated to the Code of Practice.

“The code now offers a more productive framework for contractors and ensures farmers customers and the prescribers selling the dip also know their roles and responsibilities.”

Those interested in attending the webinar can register online.

 

Image (C) Shutterstock

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
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NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.