Title: Welsh sheep dip monitoring programme : 1997
Author: Environment Agency Wales
Document Type: Monograph
Abstract:
Sheep are prone to infestation by a number of ectoparasites and are therefore dipped for economic, cosmetic and welfare reasons. Many of the ectoparasites can be treated by means other than dipping, but for sheep scab the immersion of sheep in an insecticide is currently the most widely accepted treatment method. Synthetic pyrethroid pesticides were being incorporated into dip formulations in the early 1990s, partly because of the concern for the effects organophosphate pesticides may have on the health of farmers undertaking the dipping process. Synthetic pyrethroidspose a lower hazard to human health than organophosphate dips but are up to 100 times more toxic to aquatic invertebrates. During latter years there has been an increasing awareness of the problems associated with the use of synthetic pyrethroid based sheep dips. A number of very serious pollution incidents have occurred, particularly in Scotland and the NW England, where single incidents have resulted in the fauna of some 20-30 km of river being seriously impacted following the discharge of a synthetic pyrethroid sheep dip to a watercourse. Given the importance and prevalence of sheep farming in Wales, the Welsh and Midland Regions of the Environment Agency initiated a monitoring programme for the 1997 dipping season.
Publisher: Environment Agency
Publication Date: 1998
Publication Place: Cardiff
Subject Keywords: Sheep; Insecticides; Water pollution; Monitoring; Pollution prevention
Geographic Keywords: Wales
Extent: 58
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:2007
Total file downloads: 306
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