Free ectoparasite tests for sheep farmers

Sheep farmers are being offered free testing for ectoparasites by SAC this spring as part of a research project into potential new methods of sheep scab control.

And while scab is often thought of as a winter problem, SAC Vet Services confirmed scab cases in every month of last year, explains SAC vet Brian Hosie.

“As part of the research project being undertaken SAC requires samples of the mites causing disease on farm. So, anyone who thinks they may have scab on their farm should contact their vet and ask them to take a sample for diagnosis.”

Vets submitting samples to SAC from sheep exhibiting signs of disease caused by ectoparasites will not be charged, he explained.