Together We Can Break
the Sheep Scab Cycle
Break the Sheep Scab Cycle aims to support the management of sheep scab, stop reinfection and empower farmers.
Our Campaign
Sheep scab had been almost eradicated, but it's back with a vengeance. If we work together and take the correct approach, we can break the cycle.
Our Experts
Many industry stakeholders are collaborating with us. If you feel passionate about Break the Sheep Scab Cycle and would like to have a role, please do get in touch.
Our Materials
Materials such as posters, fact sheets, and information leaflets from vets, trainers, and experts are available for everyone. Individuals and organisations can download and share them with their team.
Our Campaign
We are Lowe Maintenance, a national land-based and forestry
training company. We offer an online course for The Safe Use of Sheep Dip, and with it, the all-important City & Guilds accreditation.
Based on our knowledge, insight, and talking to our
community of farmers, auctioneers, experts, and vets, we wanted to support the industry with a campaign to raise awareness of scab, which is at an all-time
high.
We have entitled this Break the Sheep Scab Cycle.
The national campaign will support the management of the disease, stop reinfection and empower farmers to adopt a prevention mindset by working together as a community.
Our Experts
Richard Schofield
Richard Scofield, Sheep Dipping Expert, and Assessor with over 20 years of industry experience explains: ‘Sadly, the scab has returned with a vengeance, but this time we have all the tools to combat it. If we work smartly and collaboratively, we can break the cycle.
Responsible treatment and testing are our weapons, but used incorrectly we’re just battling and not winning the war on scab.
Dipping, where necessary, should be done sequentially from September to the end of November in relation to how high up the flock grazes, taking place before tupping. And of course, coordinating with neighbouring farms is vital. Being open and honest is so important. No, matter the bio-security – knowing thy neighbour has never been more important. Bolstering this with testing and when there is a breakout, rapid & targeted treatment, and testing in infected farms in the vicinity until scab has gone.’
Karen Swindlehurst
Vet Karen Swindlehurst, BVMS, MRCVS, a farm animal vet specialising in flock health, explains: ‘We are seeing a significantly higher incidence of scab than in the past. The recent development of a blood sample to screen for scab infestation is a game changer in the diagnosis and control of the parasite. The fact that we can detect scab within two weeks of exposure makes this an incredibly useful tool in diagnosis and control. We can, for example, screen purchased sheep to ensure we are not introducing scab.
Control depends on good biosecurity and quarantine measures in flocks alongside timely treatments of all sheep. A key element here is the coordination between neighbours to ensure treatments are carried out in a short time interval. This prevents infestations from being constantly spread.
In fact, shepherds working together will tackle the stigma around the condition and in turn, reduce the number of cases. To get a diagnosis and tailored health plan, speak to your local vet.‘
Together We Can Break The Cycle
Many industry stakeholders are collaborating with us, if you feel passionate about Break The Sheep Scab Cycle and would like to have a role, please do get in touch.
Our mission is to work together to eradicate sheep scab. We have done it before and if we unite, we can do it again.
How to Become Accredited
Did you know it’s a criminal offense to use sheep dip without accreditation?
Not only could you incur a fine, but you could face a prison sentence.
Lowe Maintenance provides online training courses and has launched the UK’s first and only online City & Guilds-accredited course for the safe use of sheep dip. The only time you need to leave your farm is for the final face to face assessments will take place in Settle, North Yorkshire.
Download Our Materials
Please complete this form and we will email you the links to our Break The Sheep Scab Cycle materials.
FAQ
Why do I need a ticket?
OP dip is a dangerous product for you and the environment, as such you need to demonstrate safe use.
What are the symptoms of sheep scab?
Clinical signs of sheep scab include severe itching, restlessness, wool loss, skin lesions, thickened skin and weight loss.
How do sheep get sheep scab?
Sheep scab is caused by mites, that live in the fleece and cause intense itching. The mites are highly contagious and spread very easily.
Is dipping the only option to cure sheep scab?
Sheep dipping is the only way to guarantee complete coverage when treating sheep scab. Injectables due to possible misuse are creating some resistance issues.
Do you need a license to dip sheep?
Yes. To buy the OP dip product, you need a certificate of competency, which is exactly what we supply through our online courses.
I’ve got grandfather rights, haven’t I?
There is no such thing as grandfather rights to use sheep dip. You must have a certificate of competence in the safe use of sheep dip.
What should I look for to identify sheep scab?
Sheep scab can be identified by rubbing and scratching against fence posts, nibbling of fleeces, and areas of fleece from scratching and fleece loss. Affected sheep can become dull and depressed, separating from the rest of the flock.
Can sheep scab affect humans?
No, sheep scab only affects sheep, humans are unaffected by the disease.
Is sheep dipping cruel?
No. Dipping targets external parasites only, meaning it gets only what it needs to – scab, ticks, lice blowfly and keds.
What time of year should you dip sheep?
Typically, dipping takes place from August to October, before the tupping season. However, due to the scale of the sheep scab problem, don’t be surprised to see dipping occurring all year round in recent years.
Can I be a mobile dipper?
As long as you have the certificate of competence in the safe use of sheep dip then yes.
Is there anything I can read before doing the dipping course?
You learn everything that you need to on the course, the candidate portal is full of information, take the time to read it!
Can you sell sheep with sheep scab?
It is illegal to move sheep visibly affected by sheep scab, unless they are being taken to be treated, or for immediate slaughter.
Is sheep scab reportable?
Yes. Sheep scab is currently endemic in the UK and a notifiable disease in Scotland, and it is an offence to not treat visibly affected sheep.
How many times should you dip a sheep?
Sheep should be dipped at least once per year, where necessary.
Do I need a ticket to buy sheep dip?
Yes, you will not be able to purchase legally without your sheep dip qualification.
Can I buy products from the internet?
In order to purchase sheep dip you must have a certificate of competence.
How does sheep scab spread?
Sheep scab is highly contagious and spread through mites. It can also be transmitted through the clothing, strands of wool and equipment of sheep handlers.
What is the sheep dipping process?
An individual sheep should be dipped for one minute, and the head dipped a minimum of once to ensure the ears are treated.
Can you use a shower or jetter with OP dip
No! OP dip is only licenced for use when plunge dipping. It is illegal to use OP dip through showers and jetters.
Besides, it will not work effectively, you could be building up resistance in the mites and it will not do your own health any good to be inhaling droplets of dip.
Not to mention the fines you could receive.
Further reading. . .
Sheep Dipping, on the return
With the climate as it is, forever changing. Ticks, lice and other sheep parasites are a key concern to farmers
Latest news
Attention sheep farmers: sheep dipping advice update!
For those in Northern Ireland.
DAERA would like to remind flock keepers about the responsible use of products licensed for the treatment of sheep scab.
New campaign to drive down sheep scab infestations
The initiative seeks to raise awareness of the rise of sheep scab, support the management of the condition, stop re-infection and empower farmers to adopt a prevention mindset by working together as a community
Sheep dipping facilities: keeping the environment and your own health in mind
With sheep dip being one of the most hazardous tasks undertaken on a sheep farm, a proper dipping system in place is required to keep risks to human health and the environment to a minimum.
Why Choose Lowe Maintenance?
Quality
Award-winning City and Guilds accredited courses.
Professional
Knowledgeable trainers with real-world experience.
Approachable
Friendly team works with you to achieve the best results.
High pass rates
Working hard with candidates to provide the knowledge to achieve high pass rates.
Specialist
Professional training designed to get you industry ready.
Reasonable
Accredited and affordably priced training courses.
Feedback
Consistent five star reviews speak for themselves.
Environmentally thoughtful
Working hard on sustainability and caring for the environment.
News Feeds
Sheep News
- Australian sheep, cattle prices slump as El Nino scorches pastures - Reuters
- Sheep dogs come-bye Boolarra | Latrobe Valley Express
- 'It puts Charleston on the map more competitively' | Charleston launches PODA - WSAZ
- Sheepdog School: Using a collie to catch a sheep - Farmers Weekly
- Britain's 'loneliest sheep' is no Longer Alone - Goodnet.org
Sheep Dip and Sheep Scab News
- King Charles at 75: Tributes to monarch as he marks milestone birthday - Yahoo Sport
- State Opening of Parliament: King wears Royal Navy uniform with 1,400 troops on ceremonial duties
- King recalls taking on the testing Royal Marines' sheep dip obstacle - Forces.net
- Royal Navy warship seizes cocaine with street value of £60 million in Caribbean
- Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines rehearse for Remembrance Sunday
- King reminisces about taking on infamous Royal Marines 'sheep dip' - The National
- Fatboy Slim to be joined by Albion's Tony Bloom on trip to Shaun the Sheep sculptures
- Harry Kane says 'brutal' Royal Marines training helped Gareth Southgate pick him as captain
- 'Brutal' Marines training helped Gareth Southgate pick Harry Kane as captain - Yahoo Sport
- Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick looking to strengthen but still happy with his lot after ...
- Deadline for coup leaders in Niger to restore civilian government expires on Sunday
- Thornton-le-Dale Show: Meet the sheep secretary who is allergic to sheep dip but still keeps ...
- Get muddy and make a difference as Mission: Unbreakable is back - MSN
- NRW set to roll out major fee rises despite backlash from farmers - FarmingUK News
- The Best Father's Day Gifts 2023: 20 Top Picks - Country Living Magazine
- Experts tell farmers to 'safeguard their valuables' amid flock replacements - FarmingUK
- Updates to Sheep Dipping Code of Practice provides more clarity for sector - FarmingUK
- Wales launches first nationwide test and treat project for sheep scab - FarmingUK News
- Pioneering Programme Showcased at National Industry Event - Business News Wales
- Wales Launches First Nationwide Test & Treat Project for Sheep Scab
- Welsh farm leaders welcome launch of new sheep scab project - FarmingUK News
- Meet the Flockers: get ready for the return of the Golden Shears | The Scotsman
