EIP Wales

The project is a farmer-led initiative aiming to work collectively to reduce the incidence of sheep scab in the Talybont North Ceredigion area.

This project is a farmer-led initiative and is funded by a European Innovation Programme.

It focuses on the collaboration of a group of farmers, over a three-year period (2019 – 2022), in the Talybont North Ceredigion area to identify the levels of scab infection within their flocks, the routes of transmission, and then work collectively to reduce the incidence of the parasite in the locality. This collective approach was achieved by regular risk assessments, knowledge exchange and communication within the farmer group, facilitated by one vet and the EIP broker.

Diagnosis of sheep scab on farms was done with blood tests. Compared to skin scrapping, blood test are more reliable and allow the diagnosis of sheep scab as early as two weeks of infection, before clinical signs are visible. 

 

Related Organisations

Connected Content

ADAS

ADAS provides ideas, specialist knowledge and solutions to secure our food and enhance the environment. We understand food production and the challenges and opportunities faced by organisations operating in the natural environment

NCSPulse PEP
Livestock

The livestock industry is an integral part of the agricultural sector, encompassing various aspects of animal husbandry and production. It plays an important role in global food security and supports the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide.

Sheep Scab

Sheep scab is an infection caused by the mite Psoroptes ovis, which spends its entire lifecycle on the sheep. Unfortunately, it can cause significant health and welfare issues within flocks as it is highly contagious. Each year, the Welsh sheep industry loses £5.86m between treatments and loss of production. It also implies serious economic and welfare losses at farm level from reduced stock growth, lower reproductive rate, wool loss and skin damage.  Tackling scab is a challenge as sources of infections are not limited to one farm. Risks of infection are either increased by the presence of scabs within neighbouring flocks or reduced if those flocks are prophylactically treated. 

Animal Health

Animal health is integral to the sustainability, profitability, and ethical considerations of livestock farming. It involves a combination of preventative measures, good management practices, and veterinary care to ensure that animals are raised in a manner that is both economically viable and environmentally responsible while prioritizing their well-being and public health.

Identifying and addressing Cryptosporidium in sheep

A group of farmers from the Powys are undertaking this project to determine the prevalence and sources of the parasite on their farms. They hope to increase their understanding of the pathways by which it is transmitted among sheep and also identify measures they can take to control and prevent the disease in sheep.