Sheep Scab

Sheep scab, caused by the mite Psoroptes ovis leads to major economic losses in the UK flock and impacts sheep welfare. Attempts to control the disease through legislation began in the late 1800s, with compulsory treatment enforced from 1928. By 1992, eradication had failed and disease control was deregulated. In England and Wales, it remains a legal requirement to treat the entire flock as well as infected animals.