Farmers seek dedicated sheep dipping scheme
Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association sheep chairman Willie Shaw said that scab in sheep is "rampant at the minute, and it is having a big impact on the thrive of flocks up and down the country".
Farmers are calling for a dedicated sheep dipping scheme to be introduced "as a matter of urgency".
Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association sheep chairman Willie Shaw said that scab in sheep is "rampant at the minute, and it is having a big impact on the thrive of flocks up and down the country".
"Widespread dipping is now required, and we are looking for a scheme with a payment rate of €10 per head so the situation can be brought under control,” Mr Shaw said.
Aside from any other scheme supports available for sheep farmers, Mr Shaw said a standalone dipping scheme is necessary.
“The impact of sheep scab is significant both financially and from an animal welfare point of view," he explained.
"As well as reduced weight gain, infected sheep suffer from intense itching and irritation, leading to excessive scratching and wool loss.
"It is a big problem, and addressing it effectively requires a comprehensive and well-funded approach.”
Establishing a dedicated sheep dipping scheme and setting a payment rate of €10 per head would "incentivise a lot more farmers to dip, ensuring that a larger proportion of the sheep population is treated", Mr Shaw said.
"This would not only help to control scab, but also improve the overall welfare of the flocks and mitigate the economic losses associated with the disease.”
Declan Byrne, drystock advisor with Teagasc, said in recent days that the practice of sheep dipping either during summer or winter or both is important annually on sheep farms throughout the country.
Sheep dipping products can be "extremely effective in their jobs of eliminating and preventing a number of serious sheep ectoparasites, namely blow fly (bluebottle) strike, lice, keds, ticks, and sheep scab".
