A ram imported from the mainland into a Shetland flock has recently tested positive for sheep scab, with the infection spread into other animals on the holding.
This is the first time the infection has been identified in Shetland since 1994.
The prompt action of the owner, after recognising potential signs of scab in the imported ram and arranging for necessary testing, has enabled the infection to be identified and action taken to protect other Shetland flocks.
Disease outbreaks have been prevented by farmers and crofters working together to ensure that all sheep imported to Shetland are treated for scab with an injectable product – Cydectin - at the pier. Resistance to this treatment has been spreading through the UK, but has not been officially confirmed in Scotland. However, as the ram was treated at the pier and it appears this was ineffective, there is a concern that resistance to Cydectin may be occurring in this case. Where mites are resistant to injectable products, sheep dipping remains the only treatment option.
Officers from the Council’s Environmental Health team are working with farmers, crofters, vets, the shipping company and other government agencies to resolve this situation. This includes a programme of tracing potential contacts, testing and treating.
The flock directly affected, and those neighbouring, will be treated by dipping. Farmers and crofters who have imported sheep which travelled up in the same container as the infected ram have been notified, and testing will be undertaken to identify any infection. Flocks where infection is identified, and flocks with high risk contacts will all have to be treated. Officers have been in touch with owners of immediate contacts to make them aware of the situation and initial testing and treating requirements. Owners must ensure all sheep on the holding are presented for treatment. A diagnosis or suspicion of sheep scab is notifiable in Scotland.
The SIC’s Veterinary Advisor Hilary Burgess says it’s vital that the farming and crofting community continues to work together to control this disease: “Sheep scab is now on Shetland, and we’d ask that farmers and crofters are extremely vigilant. Early signs are rubbing, scratching, biting at flanks, and tags of fleece pulled out. These signs can very much resemble lice infections.
“In more advanced disease, areas of bare and raw red skin or scabs become visible and there is also weight loss. Those with a keen eye may be able to see mites visible at the edge of these raw patches. This disease spreads extremely rapidly by direct contact, sheep to sheep, and the mites can survive for up to three weeks off the animal. Mites can survive on fence posts, on handling systems, in trailers and particularly in tags of wool.
“As a precaution, sharing of equipment between flocks should be kept to a minimum and equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between holdings. The use of separate protective clothing is also strongly recommended when working on different flocks or, at the very least, careful cleaning and disinfection of clothing between flocks.
“We are asking farmers and crofters to be aware that sheep scab is now on Shetland and to take appropriate precautions. By working together as a community we can rid Shetland of this disease once again.”
Anyone with any concerns should contact Shetland Vets on 01595 810456