Compulsory dipping of sheep to control ectoparasites has largely been replaced by alternative treatments, but dipping is still used in some contexts and carries significant welfare and safety considerations.
Sheep dipping carries inherent welfare risks including stress from handling, hypothermia from immersion in cold liquid, and chemical exposure. When dipping is necessary - particularly under disease control orders for sheep scab - minimising these risks requires appropriate water temperature, careful monitoring of animals during immersion, and efficient handling. The shift toward injectable and topical treatments has significantly reduced both human health risks and animal welfare impacts compared to the era of compulsory organophosphate dipping. However, ensuring that alternative treatments are used correctly and do not contribute to resistance development is critical for long-term parasite control.