The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development’s Veterinary Services has launched a Sheep Scab Campaign in some parts of the province. The aim of the campaign is to educate farmers about control measures of the disease and their duties as stipulated in the Animal Diseases Act. The theme for the Campaign is “War against Sheep Scab”. 

Sheep scab is a highly infectious disease that causes farmers to lose hundreds of thousands of rands yearly due to loss of production, as well as to treat the disease.

The disease is caused by mites, a very small parasite that is not visible to the naked eye, which feeds on the skin of the sheep. It also causes severe irritation and itching, and affected animals can develop severe skin lesions. The quality of wool is affected and animals become emaciated and may even die in extreme cases.

To further raise the awareness the department has roped in a well known Vet Dr Faffa Malan who will give four presentations to farmers in the province. One of the topics he will be presenting is “One sheep too many”. The topic will cover various infectious diseases, amongst others ulcerative balanoposthitis and brucella ovis infections. Areas that will be targeted are as follows

Loeriesfontein Skousaal 12 June 2012
Calvinia NG Moederkerk 13 June 2012
Willston Landbouskousaal 14 June 2012
Britstown Buiteklub 15 June 2012

The second part of the campaign will focus on control and law enforcement. Sheep farms in the Hantam, Namaqua and Karoo Highland will be inspected by Veterinary Services officials between 25 June till 06 July 2012. Roadblocks will also be set up in-collaboration with South African Police Services, Nature Conservation and the Western Cape’sVeterinary Services to monitor animal movements in and out of these areas. Communal farmer’s animals in selected areas will receive free preventative treatment.

Issued by: Directorate Communication Services - Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development

Enquiries: Phemelo Manankong - External Communications Officer
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