New Welsh Sheep Scab Group established

New industry led Sheep Scab Group established

An industry led Sheep Scab Task and Finish group has been established to make recommendations to the Animal Health and Welfare Steering Group and Welsh Ministers on the eradication of sheep scab in Wales.

Dafydd Jones, group member and sheep farmer said "I, along with many sheep farmers, am very encouraged to see that a "task and finish group" has been formed to deal with this increasing problem and I look forward to the group finding a workable solution. This is one issue on a farm health plan that we cannot treat alone, our treatment programme must correspond with neighbouring farms to bring this problem under control. With many farms selling their lambs on commitment on a monthly basis, along with increased meat withdrawal on many products, an outbreak during most periods of the year would jeopardise the farm system and could have a serious implication on cash flow. Infection with sheep scab also poses a major welfare implication for infected sheep and keeping our flocks free of this disease is therefore of paramount importance."

The group is made up of individuals from the farming unions, veterinary practitioners and other leading industry and stakeholder experts. The first meeting of the group was held in January this year.

Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer forWalessaid:

“I fully support the efforts of this group and it is encouraging to see such a great example of the industry working together in partnership to improve animal health and welfare in Wales.

“I look forward to receiving the recommendations the group is developing. Sheep scab is a long standing problem across GB and I welcome a fresh perspective on how we can work together to tackle it.”

The group will endeavour to develop a holistic and workable approach to this significant welfare problem and aims to make recommendations to Welsh Ministers by the end of the year.

Notes to Editors

Membership of the group includes:

Hazel Wright- FUW,

Peter Davies- NFU Cymru,

Helen Davies - NSA,

David Pugh- AHVLA,

Iwan Parry – NBA

Sion Aron Jones – HCC

Ian Millington – LA

Dafydd Jones – Sheep Farmer

Eirwen Williams– Menter a Busnes

Phillipa Nicholas – IBERS

Moss Jones - FAWL

The Sheep Scab Task and Finish group was established following a recommendation from the Welsh Animal Health and Welfare (AHWS) Strategy Steering Group.

The AHWS Steering Group advise and assist the Welsh Government on a range of key issues that impact on the AHWS inWales.