Shetland Animal Health Scheme

SLMG dipping facility for imported sheep

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This service has been set up to reduce the chances of sheep scab being introduced to Shetland. The only way we can keep Shetland sheep scab free is by working together. Watch our video on the importance of dipping imported sheep.

The dipping facility at SLMG has had a successful first year and will be offering this service again for the 2023/2024 import season. Last year blood testing confirmed that 10% of imported rams were positive for sheep scab – showing that they had been infected with sheep scab. With the increasing prevalence of sheep scab mites which are resistant to injectable treatments, dipping imported sheep is the most effective method to ensure Shetland remains sheep scab free.

Sheep imported to Shetland will be tested and treated by the Shetland Vet Practice at the pier as usual. The owner/importer will then be responsible for transporting the animals to the community dipping facility at Staneyhill. The sheep will then be dipped and the owner/importer can transport them home. It would be appreciated if sheep can be collected promptly from the pier.

For the service to be viable, we ask that imported sheep arrive on a consolidated day.  Consolidated Dates are every Wednesday from Wednesday the 6th of September to Wednesday the 20th of December plus popular ram sale dates.Additional information, including consolidated dates can be foundin the panel on the right of this page. Dipping of imported sheep will be available on non-consolidated days, but there will be an additional charge to set up and operate the dipper. Notice of intention to ship on non-consolidated days should be given to Shetland Vets and the SLMG dipping crew with at least one week’s notice.

The vets will dispense the Zolvix drench and Cydecin LA injection at the pier which will be charged at £9 plus VAT per sheep.  Dipping charges will be £30 plus VAT per sheep.  The added charge for dipping sheep on a non-consolidated day will be £150 plus VAT. 

Sheep scab is becoming more common in mainland Scotland and unfortunately it is now recognised that sheep scab mites which are resistant to injectable products are present in Scotland.  Certificates to verify that sheep have been dipped with an OP dip by an authorised dipper within a month of import can be downloaded from the right hand panel or collected in hard copy from the Shetland Vets offices or the SLMG office.

Further information regarding the consolidated days and the sheep dipping process can be found in the information leaflet on the right of this page.