Sheep scab - environmental considerations of treatment with doramectin

The paper reviews the recent change in attitudes to dipping sheep and the p roposed legal requirements to prevent and treat sheep scab. The implication s of fulfilment of all the requirements of the European Groundwater Directi ve and the probable resultant increase of the use of injectable endectocide s as an alternative to plunge dipping are discussed in relation to their Li kely frequency of use and potential ecological impact. In particular the pr operties of doramectin, one of the most recently introduced, are examined i n relation to its use for the treatment of sheep scab. (C)1999 Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All rights reserved.