Welsh farmers welcome sheep scab scheme
“Veterinary participation will be key in not only diagnosing scab accurately but in advising farmers on how to protect themselves from sheep scab in the future” – Dr Neil Paton.
Farmers in Wales have welcomed a new test and treat scheme to eradicate sheep scab, following its launch by the Welsh government.
The Gwaredu Scab programme, led by Coleg Sir Gâr, will offer farmers free testing and treatment for sheep scab. Infected flocks will be treated by dipping in an organophosphate dip by fully-qualified contract mobile dippers.
The Welsh government has committed to spend £1.5 million on the scheme for a minimum of two years.
Welcoming the launch of the project, Dr Hazel Wright, Farmers’ Union of Wales deputy head of policy, said: “We have eagerly awaited the launch of the Gwaredu Scab project ever since funding for such a project was announced by the Minister for Rural Affairs in January 2019.
“Sheep scab is an extremely contagious disease which has significant welfare and economic consequences for affected farms and reducing the prevalence of this disease in Wales will be of tremendous benefit to the industry.”
Sheep scab is endemic in Wales, affecting 30 per cent of sheep each year.
Dr Wright added: “One benefit of the Gwaredu Scab project is the use of Technical Officers to coordinate the testing process and, if required, approach surrounding farms to minimise the potential spread of the disease from farm to farm.
“A failure to treat animals at the same time as your neighbours can mean animals becoming reinfected as the sheep scab mite can be transferred by direct contact with infected sheep or objects and a lack of a coordinated approach to treatment could therefore result in a great deal of wasted time and money
"We fully recognise the concerns which exist in relation to dipping and the withdrawal period following treatment. However, full engagement with this project will help protect the health and welfare of the Welsh national flock and we strongly encourage farmers with suspected scab to engage in this project to clear this infection from their flock and to reduce the chance of reinfection.”
Participation in the scheme will not be compulsory, although farmers already have a legal obligation to treat affected sheep when sheep scab is identified in a flock, under the Sheep Scab Order 1997.
Dr Neil Paton, Gwaredu Scab veterinary technical director, said: “Veterinary participation will be key in not only diagnosing scab accurately but in advising farmers on how to protect themselves from sheep scab in the future. By advising the farmers on accurate diagnosis and prevention the health and welfare of the national flock will be protected.”
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
