« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
Prevention of Environmental Pollution from Agricultural Activity
SECTION 8
SHEEP DIP
Sheep dipping can play an important role in the maintenance of good animal welfare. The chemicals used in dips are highly toxic and, if used properly, can be very effective against parasites that colonise sheep skins and fleeces. However, if good practice is not followed, this can have devastating consequences for the water environment. Aquatic life in tens of kilometres of watercourse in Scotland has been wiped out as a result of the entry of tiny amounts of dip. Groundwater can also be put at risk if dipping-related activities are not managed properly. There are a number of legislative requirements for the handling and disposal of waste sheep dip, explained below.
DOs Comply with the Groundwater Regulations 1998. - Ensure that disposal of waste sheep dip to land is carried out in accordance with an authorisation issued by SEPA.
Have staff properly trained in the correct use of dips and dipping practice and ensure that they understand the very harmful effects of sheep dip on aquatic life. Only purchase sheep dip if you hold the required Certificate of Competence. | DON'Ts Allow dip to enter a watercourse. This will result in serious pollution, and may result in enforcement action being taken by SEPA under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 (as amended). Use dips that are not approved. Delay in contacting SEPA regarding any pollution incident involving sheep dip. Store waste sheep dip for re-use. This is against veterinary medicines legislation and could result in harm to animal health. |
Plan all aspects of the dipping operation in advance, identifying all possible pollution risks and taking action to minimise these risks as far as possible. Ensure that a Contingency Plan is drawn up to deal with any potential spillage. Ensure that proprietary kits or absorbent materials are readily available to deal with spillages. Strictly follow manufacturers instructions if detoxifying waste sheep dip. Ensure that when mobile dipping is carried out, registered mobile dipping contractors are used. Adopt high standards of flock management that aim to minimise the possibility of ectoparasitic infection on your farm. Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment. Allow sheep to drain in their drip pen for at least 10 minutes and prevent run off to any watercourse. Rinse empty containers at least 3 times and add washings to the dip bath. | Be afraid to seek veterinary advice as to the most appropriate method of ectoparasite control for your flock. Site dippers within 10m of a watercourse and certainly not within 50m of water supplies. Ignore the need to carry out regular maintenance of sheep dipping facilities taking account of signs of cracking, wear, damage or corrosion. Leave a full dip bath uncovered or unattended. Delay emptying the dip bath unless weather conditions do not permit safe disposal. Allow the dip bath to overflow. |
« Previous | Contents | Next »