Sheep Scab: Breaking the Cycle - Sheep Industry and CAFRE Collaborate to deliver Information Evenings

Date published: 11 November 2025

‘Sheep Scab: Breaking the Cycle’ aims to improve awareness, share the latest research and promote a coordinated approach to controlling this persistent disease.

Sheep scab continues to challenge flock health, welfare, and farm profitability. The upcoming events will give attendees the opportunity to hear from leading experts, gain practical guidance and engage with organisations working collectively to reduce the impact of scab on the Northern Ireland sheep sector.

Events

• Tuesday 18 November at 7:30pm – CAFRE Loughry Campus
• Wednesday 19 November at 7:30pm – CAFRE Greenmount Campus
• Wednesday 26 November at 7:30pm – Online Webinar

Keynote speaker, Dr Stewart Burgess of the Moredun Research Institute, will outline recent advances in scab diagnosis, treatment options, and UK-wide control efforts. A CAFRE Adviser will also discuss best practice for safe dipping, responsible chemical use and improving on-farm biosecurity, with a focus on delivering workable solutions for local farming systems. The evening will conclude with a panel discussion involving the speakers on the night alongside NSA Next Generation Ambassadors William Egerton and Joe Milligan.

Organisations involved in the collaboration have strongly welcomed the initiative.

Dr Sam Strain, CEO of Animal Health and Welfare NI (AHWNI), said:

“The 2023 BBSRC NI Sheep Scab Project demonstrated the widespread geographical location of the disease across NI and led to very successful outcomes for affected farms where treatment measures were carried out. It showed clearly that farmers view scab eradication as essential to their industry. The upcoming meetings will allow farmers to be updated on best practice in the control and prevention of sheep scab. Ultimately, effective sheep scab control in NI needs a coordinated approach where farmers and stakeholders are working together towards a common goal.”

Sean Fitzpatrick of the Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers Association (NIAPA) added: “We are fully onboard with the sheep scab information evenings. This disease can eat away at our flocks and our profitability, which can be very costly, it must be eradicated if possible.”

Edward Adamson of the National Sheep Association (NSA) encouraged farmers to attend the event: “Sheep scab continues to place real pressure on flock health and the wider sheep industry. These meetings show what can be achieved when farmers, advisers and sheep industry bodies pull in the same direction. Shared knowledge and good practice are vital if we want to reduce the burden of scab and protect the long-term sustainability of the sector.”

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) Deputy President Glenn Cuddy said: “Sheep scab is an ongoing problem in NI sheep flocks. These events are welcomed to raise awareness of sheep scab and its devastating effects on sheep health. Through these events, we hope that farmers will learn key knowledge and skills on how to control and reduce the risks of sheep scab in their flock. It will be a great opportunity to hear from Dr Stewart Burgess from Moredun Research Institute, a renowned UK expert on sheep scab, as he presents his research and findings.”

These information evenings are free to attend and open to all sheep farmers. Farmers can simply arrive at their preferred venue or join the online session on 26 November. Prebooking is not required.

For further information, contact your local CAFRE Adviser or visit the events page of the CAFRE website.