A study of sheep scab in Northern Ireland including detection and identifying barriers to control.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sheep scab, caused by the highly infectious Psoroptes ovis mite, is considered to be endemic in Northern Ireland, although little investigation has been reported. A pilot project was undertaken to engage farmers, confirm cases with diagnostic methods and identify specific barriers to control, with the aim of informing future control programmes.

Methods

Through farmers self-reporting suspected outbreaks, on-farm risk assessments and clinical investigations were carried out by the farm's veterinary surgeon, who utilised light microscopy and serological testing to diagnose scab. Treatment was then provided and where macrocyclic lactones (MLs) were utilised, follow-up testing was attempted.

Results

Sheep scab was identified in 60 flocks across all six co

SUBMITTER: Crawford P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11666421 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature