Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Scab and External Parasite Welfare

Sheep scab (psoroptic mange) is a highly contagious mite infestation causing intense itching and welfare deterioration across affected flocks.

Key Facts

Sheep scab is caused by Psoroptes ovis mites feeding on skin, causing intense pruritus
Affected sheep rub, bite, and scratch constantly, causing wool loss and skin damage
The condition can spread rapidly through a flock via direct contact
Injectable macrocyclic lactones and dipping in approved organophosphates are effective treatments
Biosecurity including quarantine of new animals is essential to prevent introduction

Welfare Considerations

Sheep scab causes extreme, chronic itching that dominates affected animals' lives - the constant urge to scratch is visible distress that must be treated urgently. Prevention through biosecurity and rapid diagnosis are the pillars of humane scab management.

What You Can Do

Support farms with robust biosecurity preventing scab introduction
Advocate for compulsory notification of sheep scab to enable coordinated control
Report suspected sheep scab to your animal health advisor immediately