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.

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