Shetland Animal Health Scheme

Health Investigations

The SAHS has funding through the OPA Project to run Health Investigations for sick sheep this winter.  These fully funded places may include a vet visit, samples and testing, and a lung scan.  These tests are up to the veterinary surgeon and will decided on a case by case basis. 

We aim to find out more about the diseases present in Shetland’s sheep and help to identify any actions may be taken to increase flock health.  We are interested in all different types of sheep being included in these health investigations not just imported sheep.

There is limited funding and spaces are only available until the 31st of December 2024. 

We also have funding for sheep post mortems for any fallen stock. 

Karis Johnson, Veterinary Surgeon with Shetland Vets, says: “Although the Shetland Animal Health Scheme (SAHS) does a great job of trying to prevent the introduction of ovine diseases to Shetland, it is essential we all remain vigilant and monitor the health of our flocks.  As the SAHS has managed to secure funding to help with investigations of poorly sheep this is a great time to look into any concerns you may have.  Please contact the vets to see if we can help you.”

Moredun Visit - August 2024 

Researchers from the Moredun institute visited in August 2024.  ore information about the visit can be found in the right hand page. 

Sheep Scab Regulations

The Shetland Animal Health Scheme has been working to change the Sheep Scab Regulations to make the method of treatment more flexible.  This Regulation change was approved by the Scottish Government and was implemented on the 1st of July 2024.  These changes mean that now the Shetland Vets can now delegate treatment to a contractor instead of carrying it out themselves.  This helps us to make plunge dipping the treatment for sheep scab on entry to Shetland. 

We would like to thank all of the Shetland Farmers and Crofters who supported the changes to the Sheep Scab Regulations particularly through the consultation stage.  Without such high levels of support we wouldn't have been able to get these changes through the Scottish Government so quickly. 

OPA Project

The Shetland Animal Health Scheme had Phil Scott Visit on the 1st and 2nd of July.  Phil accompanied the Shetland Vets on their routine flock testing, focussing on flock holders with large numbers of imported rams.  These flocks had their rams scanned for OPA.  Some of these will have previously been scanned in September at Phil’s last visit.  Phil’s visits continue to build local capacity for lung scanning in Shetland.  Phil also held a scanning demonstration at Gremista Farm for the young farmers.  He was very impressed by the enthusiasm of the group. 

Lung scanning is a great additional test to use on your livestock particularly if you are concerned about their respiratory health. 

OPA Post Mortem Funding

The SAHS has funding for sheep post mortems through the OPA Project.  This funding covers the collection of samples for OPA and the vets visit.  This can greatly reduce the costs of getting a post mortem for your animals.  Getting a post mortem can tell you the cause of death for your animals and help you identify any problems in your flock quickly.  To get a post mortem please get in contact with your local veterinary surgeon. 

SAHS at the Highland Show

We would like to thank the Moredun Institute for inviting Hilary to accompany them to the Highland Show, it was great to hear from Scottish farmers from all over the country about their experience with sheep scab as well. 

SAHS Lice Advice

During the public outreach for the Sheep Scab Regulations Consultation the SAHS was made aware that farmers and crofters in Shetland had been noticing increasing problems with lice in their sheep.  This information note details veterinary advice for reducing the number of lice in your flock. 

• The best time to treat for lice in sheep is just after clipping.  Clipping the sheep can reduce the lice populations by up to 50%. 
• Shearing also helps to ensure pour on products can penetrate the fleece making sure your lice treatment is effective. 
• Pour on lice treatments can last for up to 6 weeks.   
• Neighbours which share fences could also pose risk of infection should non-infected sheep be moved next to untreated sheep.
• Dipping with an OP dip is also a suitable treatment for lice.  This is the common treatment used on mainland UK due to the high incidence of sheep scab and the ability to control lice while treating for sheep scab. 
• Sheep scab is on the rise on the UK mainland, Shetland is currently free from sheep scab but these two conditions can present in the same way.  By treating for lice in the Shetland flock it means mainland buyers of Shetland stock can be reassured that sheep they are buying are not effected by lice or scab. 

Speak to your local vet for further advice about treating for lice