Lesley Stubbings of SCOPS explains:
“There are no veterinary products licenced in the UK for use through jetters or showers. This use has gone widely unchallenged in the past but the hurdles we face in controlling sheep scab are now so great that SCOPS has welcomed and is highlighting the importance of following this recently released guidance.
“We already know some sheep scab mites are resistant to the injectable products, which means it is more important than ever to preserve the efficacy of the organophosphate dips. Exposing scab mites to a sub-lethal dose of OP in jetters and showers is an ideal way to encourage resistance to develop and we cannot afford to continue taking that risk.
“Plunge dipping is the only way to get the OP down to the skin so it can kill all the mites. Showers and jetters simply cannot achieve that so, if you use one of these methods, all the industry bodies involved in SCOPS are united in urging you to stop.”
- To highlight the complex situation around sheep scab, SCOPS has strengthened the information provided on its website.
- Also on the website is the official letter sent from AMTRA warning prescribers that they risk facing disciplinary action and/or being reported to VMD if they prescribe OP to anyone using it through a jetter or shower.
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