This week a brand new website has been launched which has been billed as a one-stop-shop for anyone interested in learning more about plunge sheep dipping, sheep scab, and best practice for the prevention of key sheep ecto-parasites.
Located at bimeda.co.uk/taketheplunge, the site contains information on how to carry out plunge dipping, as well as how to locate a contract mobile plunge dipper, for those who prefer not to dip themselves.
The 'Take The Plunge' site also includes links to useful third party resources such as the SCOPS, NADIS and Break The Sheep Scab Cycle websites, as well as links to Moredun's educational animations on scab and ecto-parasites.
Bimeda Professional Services Veterinarian, Rachel Mallet, commented, 'The sheep scab mite is a highly contagious parasite with serious implications for animal welfare and productivity. In recent years, dedicated work and industry projects from various organisations, to drive awareness of best practices for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of sheep scab and other ecto-parasites has been taking place. We are also seeing an increased awareness of emerging issues such as the resistance of sheep scab mites to 3-ML injectables and an increased consideration around utilising products which only target ectoparasites when worm burdens are acceptable. . However, we recognise that many of the excellent resources available are located on different websites and in different training materials. We have launched the 'Take The Plunge' site to bring many of these excellent resources into one convenient location.'
To celebrate the launch of the site, farmers are invited to enter a competition to win enrolment in a City and Guilds-accredited course and assessment to obtain the 'Award in the Safe Use of Sheep Dip'. Terms and conditions apply. See bimeda.co.uk/taketheplunge for more information.