SHEEP farmers are being urged to remain vigilant against sheep scab and report any suspicion of the disease. The warning comes on the back of Scottish Government figures and maps, just released, giving details of the 565 cases since 2010 in Scotland.
Sheep scab is one of the most contagious parasitic diseases in sheep and is considered to be endemic in Great Britain. It is both a highly production-limiting disease and a serious welfare problem, making tackling the disease a high priority for the Scottish sheep industry.
The Sheep Scab (Scotland) Order 2010 makes it a requirement to report any suspicion of the disease, instead of waiting for confirmation. This order places reported flocks under restriction until there is evidence that they have either been effectively treated or affected animals culled, or sheep scab has been effectively ruled out.
Penny Johnston, Animal Health and Welfare Policy Manager with NFU Scotland said: "Although in the last couple of years notifications have levelled around the low eighties annually, they remain fairly widespread with identifiable hotspots.
"Although these reports could represent some decline in the scale of the problem, it is likely they only represent the tip of the iceberg in terms of the ongoing problem."
Market round-up
United Auctions sold 500 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 263.6p per kg and an average of 212.6p (-4.5p on the week), while 511 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 294.1p and levelled at 217.9p (-5.5p). Fifty-three store, B&W bullocks sold to 179.1p and averaged 136.2p (+2.8p).
In the rough ring 123 beef cows averaged 123.5p and 23 dairy cows levelled at 72.9p.
C&D Auction Marts had no prime cattle forward at their weekly sale in Dumfries on Wednesday, but there were 56 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 115.3p and dairy cows levelled at 82.8p.
The firm also sold 717 prime hoggs to a top of £95 per head and 200p per kg to average 175.3p (-6.9p).
The 231 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £110.50 for a Texel and average £83.51 (+£1.56), while light ewes peaked at £79.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £59.58 (+£10.60).
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd had 714 prime hoggs forward in Newton Stewart on Wednesday that were the poorest show for quality this season, with three-quarters of the offering being lean, weathered types. Top prices on the day were £100.50 and 201p with the overall average levelling at 170p (-19p).
There were also 170 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £125 for Suffolks and £75.50 for Blackfaces.
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