Scabivax Forte remains the vaccine available in 2017 after it replaced Scabivax in 2016. The product is similar to Scabivax and covers a wider range of virus strains with a longer duration of protection.

There are two differences for those still accustomed to Scabivax: it is applied with an applicator and it is a prescription-only medicine, which means it must be ordered through your veterinary surgeon. It should only be used where there is a history of issues on the farm and should not be introduced to clean flocks.

Worm dosing ewes

Each year questions arise around lambing as to the benefit of dosing ewes on turnout post-lambing. Veterinary advice recommends against this with the reasoning of reducing the rate of anthelmintic resistance occurring. The advice where no issues exist is to only dose problem ewes such as those lacking condition. If in doubt, a faecal egg count will identify if ewes need treatment.

Sheep management: wet weather

Sheep management: drafting hoggets

Sheep management: orf vaccination and worm dosing

Darren Carty has advice on administering the orf vaccine and worm treatment of ewes.