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Study reveals insights into sheep scab treatment
sheep
The study found that farmers living in Scotland, North England and Wales should use preventative sheep treatment for sheep scab.
Researchers analyse information on losses and treatment costs 

It is only cost-effective for farmers to use preventative treatment for sheep scab in areas where risk is highest, according to new research.

The study, published in the journal Preventative Veterinary Medicine, suggests that farmers living in Scotland, North England and Wales should use preventative treatment, as well as those where high-risk grazing strategies are used.

In other areas, the study found that it is more cost-effective for farmers to only pay to treat if and when their flock gets scab.

"Farmers will not treat preventatively when it is not in their economic interest to do so. To achieve national reductions in scab incidence, approaches that give farmers an economic incentive to use preventative treatment will need to be adopted,” said lead researcher, Emily Nixon.

Before 1992, farmers were required by law to treat all their sheep for scab - at that time there were only around 40 outbreaks a years. When compulsory treatment was removed, however, the number of scab outbreak in the UK rose significantly. According to the University of Bristol, there are now 5,000 - 10,000 outbreaks each year, costing the industry around £10m.

While there have been many industry initiatives to reduce the incidence of scab, the failure to reduce numbers is frequently blamed on farmers who are unwilling to use preventative treatments.

Together with her colleagues, Emily set out to show if it is financially better for a farmer to treat scab before sheep are infected, or whether it is worth risking and only treating if the flock develops scab.

Though analysing information on the losses and treatment costs - together with the risk of scab - she found that there is not just one blanket strategy that works for all farmers.

She concludes that tailoring strategies to specific regions or farms could help to ensure that farmers do not lose out.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.