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Webinar planned on mobile sheep dipping code of practice
Changes have been made around the supplying of organophosphate to mobile contractors.

The webinar will focus on changes to the code.

The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group will be sharing information about updates to the Code of Practice for Mobile Sheep Dipping in a free webinar on Thursday, 7 September 2023.

The main changes are around the supply of organophosphate to mobile contractors for use on clients’ farms, and the role of farmers, contractors and prescribers to make sure that it is done legally.

The webinar will discuss effective, safe dipping, with a focus on the role of mobile sheep dippers in tackling sheep scab.

Speaking on behalf of SCOPS, independent sheep consultant Lesley Stubbings said: “SCOPS has been and will continue to be very vocal about how important it is for sheep not to be treated with an OP dip in a jetter or shower.

“These application routes are not licenced for OPs and deliver a sub-lethal dose of the product, encouraging the development of resistance to organophosphates. We already have sheep scab mites that are resistant to injectable treatments so cannot afford to have resistance to OPs too.

“Safe, effective dipping is important for all sheep farmers whether you are dipping yourself or using a contractor – so this SCOPS webinar will be a useful one-hour session for everyone.”

The Mobile Sheep Dipping Code of Practice was created in 2021 as a collaboration between a number of industry organisations, including SCOPS and the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) in conjunction with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.

Jill Hewit, NAAC chief executive, added: “Our mobile sheep dipping members offer a professional service to their farmer clients and we’re delighted members will be able to work more effectively under the updated to the Code of Practice.

“The code now offers a more productive framework for contractors and ensures farmers customers and the prescribers selling the dip also know their roles and responsibilities.”

Those interested in attending the webinar can register online.

 

Image (C) Shutterstock

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.