Sheep Dipping

Short answer: Sheep scab is an intensely itchy skin disease caused by the mite Psoroptes ovis. The UK's National Animal Disease Information Service (NADIS) says the mites' droppings trigger an allergic reaction that leads to rubbing, wool loss, scabs and rapid weight loss.

In severe cases it can kill. NADIS says compulsory treatment was enforced in Britain from 1928. Eradication failed and control was deregulated in 1992, but England and Wales still legally require infected flocks to be treated, and Scotland made the disease notifiable again in 2010. According to the UK sheep-parasite group SCOPS, there are now only two treatments for scab in the UK: plunge dips containing the organophosphate diazinon, and injectable macrocyclic lactones. Organophosphate dips work only as a proper plunge dip, never through jetters or showers. NADIS says dips kill scab mites within 24 hours, keep working for several weeks, and also control blowfly, lice, keds and ticks. Synthetic pyrethroid (cypermethrin) dips were once the other option. NFU Scotland reported in 2010 that the Veterinary Medicines Directorate suspended them in 2006 over water pollution and manufacturers then stopped making them. Organophosphates are highly toxic to people too. The UK Health and Safety Executive requires anyone buying OP dip to hold a certificate of competence and sets rules for protective clothing, storage and disposal. NFU Scotland notes that concerns have been raised about effects on human health. The footage shows sheep being pushed through a dip, with a metal tipping cradle and frame over the swim bath. The country isn't identified.