Sheep Dipping: Welfare Challenges in Ectoparasite Control

Plunge dipping of sheep was once universal for controlling sheep scab and other ectoparasites. While now supplemented by pour-on treatments, dipping remains in use and presents significant welfare challenges.

Key Facts

Sheep scab (Psoroptes ovis) causes intense itching and skin damage and can be fatal if untreated
Traditional plunge dipping involves forcing sheep through a tank of organophosphate or synthetic pyrethroid solution
The experience of being plunged into and forced to swim through chemical solution is acutely stressful for sheep
Inhalation of chemical dip solution during the process can cause respiratory irritation and, in poorly managed operations, poisoning
Organophosphate dips were widely associated with health problems in farm workers and have been largely phased out
Alternatives including injectable avermectins and pour-on treatments have reduced but not eliminated dipping

Welfare Considerations

Sheep dipping combines chemical exposure with a highly stressful handling and immersion experience. Sheep as prey animals with strong flocking behavior experience significant fear during individual restraint and forced immersion. Modern welfare guidelines recommend minimizing dipping where alternative treatments are effective, ensuring dips are properly maintained at correct concentration and temperature, and applying low-stress handling techniques throughout. Farm assurance schemes increasingly audit ectoparasite management for welfare compliance.

What You Can Do

Support lamb and wool products from farms using low-stress, welfare-audited husbandry practices
Advocate for mandatory welfare guidelines on ectoparasite treatment methods in sheep farming
Support research into non-immersion ectoparasite control methods that reduce handling stress
If farming sheep, work with your vet to choose the least stressful effective treatment option