Vetnuus | October 2024 37 any skin condition in sheep with one or more of the following symptoms: itching, deranged wool or hair, or bare scabby patches. This leaves no room for a farmer or private veterinarian to speculate if there is sheep scab. The State Veterinarian must be notified to make a proper diagnosis. Farmers must refrain from moving and transporting any sheep and goats if there is a suspicion of such skin conditions and must keep them in isolation until they have been declared to be free from sheep scab. Contact and infected animals When there is an outbreak of sheep scab, the State Veterinary Services will usually place the farm as well as contact farms under quarantine. The quarantine notices will stipulate the requirements of quarantine. However, even if a farm has not been placed under quarantine, it is required that all infected and contact animals must be isolated and treated. This falls within Section 11 of the Animal Disease Act and the general disease control measures stipulated in the Regulations. Since sheep and goats are both regarded as susceptible species goats must be treated in the same manner as sheep. Infected and contact animals must be treated twice with an efficient remedy not less than 7 days and not more than 10 days apart. The remedy can be a dip or an injectable remedy, with the proviso that it is registered for the treatment of sheep scab in South Africa. Although it is the owner’s responsibility to treat the animals, the State Veterinary Services may be present to oversee the treatment. If the State Veterinary Services cannot oversee the treatment, they may require the owner in terms of Regulation 18(1)(b) to provide them with empty containers of the remedies used for the treatment as well as a sworn declaration confirming the details of the treatment. Sheep and goats under quarantine, may not be moved without the consent of the relevant State Veterinarian. Movement of such animals may only take place under the cover of a Red Cross permit, in a sealed vehicle and subject to the conditions stipulated on the permit. Conclusion The very strict measures for control of a disease that only affects sheep and causes relatively few deaths may seem excessive. However, the mere fact that it has been a cause of concern for centuries and could to this day not be eradicated or controlled sufficiently, is proof that control remains necessary. It is a highly contagious disease, that has a serious impact on animal welfare and food security. Veterinarians working with clients and on farms where it occurs should ensure that farmers are aware of the seriousness of the diseases and play a leading role in the prevention and control thereof. If you have any questions, you can contact me at trudie@legalvetservices.co.za v (Endnotes) 1. Bezuidenhout JD A short history of sheep scab. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association (2011) 82(4): 188–189 (En.). 2. Animal Diseases Act 35 of 1984. Legal Mews
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