Sheep scab rife in Wales

One of the most contagious and economically damaging sheep diseases, sheep scab is causing much concern in Wales, says NFU Cymru.

Reports suggest scab appears to be rife across much of Wales and it’s up to sheep farmers to be proactive if the disease is to be brought under control.

Although NFU Cymru livestock board chairman Peter Davies warned farmers eradication would be no easy task, he urged them to make scab eradication high on their agenda.

“I would encourage farmers to contact their vets for advice on the most appropriate methods to protect their flock from sheep scab. There are obvious animal welfare benefits, increased productivity and reduced costs from keeping sheep scab out of your flock. From my perspective, the overarching aim must be to eradicate the disease.”

However, getting over the stigma of the disease in a flock was important, expressed Mr Davies who said the only shame would be in not treating it.