Sheep dip faces long-term threat

7 June 2000



Sheep dip faces long-term threat

by FWi staff

FARMERS should recognise that organophosphate sheep dips may be permanently withdrawn from the market, according to a senior scientist.

Producers must consider alternatives to OPs, said Dermot OBrien, senior veterinary research officer at the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Dublin.

The statement was made during a speech at North Sheep, a National Sheep Asssociation event at Alnwick, Northumberland, on Wednesday (June 7).

If OP dips are re-licensed then they will probably not be making a long term comeback due to continued pressure on their safety, said Dr OBrien.

The government ordered the withdrawal of OP dips six months ago in the wake of concern that the chemicals pose a serious threat to human health.

Two major manufacturers have already abandoned plans to reintroduce OP sheep dip because it is too expensive to meet new safety regulations.

Novartis Animal Health and Bayer confirmed they wont be selling OP dips because of the cost of redesigning containers to make them safer for farmers.

Kevin Stevens, product manager for Bayer, said: We have decided not to re-enter the OP market. We are concentrating our efforts on our non OP-sheep dip.

Lynda Maris, professional services manager for Novartis, said non-OP products were just as effective in controlling parasites in livestock.