29/08/2026
๐๐๐งโ๐ฆ ๐ง๐๐๐ ๐๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐
๐ The main ectoparasites for sheep are fleas, flies, keds, lice, midges, mites, and ticks.
๐ The main ectoparasite-related diseases in the UK are sheep scab, pediculosis, tick-borne diseases, and blowfly strike.
All of these can impact the health of your sheep, and in some cases, if untreated can lead to the sheep dying.
Ticks can impact humans, dogs, and horses. In humans, this can cause a condition known as Lyme Disease.
Lyme disease is caused by ๐๐ฐ๐ณ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ญ๐ช๐ข, a spirochete bacteria, and can cause a wide range of symptoms that if untreated could be life-changing.
For your sheep, identification is the first and most important step in managing and treating, so the right treatment can be selected.
Sheep can have lice and scab mites at the same time. So speak to your VET to confirm the type of ectoparasites present and the correct way to manage the infestation.
There are three options in the treatment of ectoparasites:
๐ท๏ธ OP Dip
๐ท๏ธ Pour-ons
๐ท๏ธ Injectables
Before using any treatment options, you need to be fully aware that you have a legal responsibility to only use products following the manufacturerโs instructions. Also, be aware of industry best practices through the VMD and HSE.
Each ectoparasite can be more common at different times of the year. This means that in some cases if you are using OP dip you could be dipping more than once, or twice a year.
Planning is the best way to get organised. Working closely with your vet, together with your preference will enable you to make an informed choice. As with all treatments, there are pros and cons.
OP Dip treats all ectoparasites in one go, they offer protection for longer and in the main part can be more economical.
Please be aware if you are dipping yourself or getting a mobile sheep dipping contractor in, the only LEGAL, SAFE and EFFECTIVE way is to use the plunge method.
๐ฆ๐ต๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฝ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ข๐ฃ ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฝ ๐ถ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐จ๐ก๐ฆ๐๐๐, ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ก๐๐๐๐๐๐ง๐๐ฉ๐.
Just do it right!
