The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) and Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) urge livestock farmers to think twice before applying dips, insecticides or repellents to their livestock in the hope of preventing infection with bluetongue virus (BTV) transmitted by midges. These products are not licensed for this purpose, and there is no evidence that they can kill Culicoides midges quickly enough to prevent infection or sustain protection against onward transmission.
Nerys Wright, speaking on behalf of SCOPS and COWS, says: “We understand why farmers are concerned and why they want to take some action. However, the evidence is clear: a single bite from one infected midge can transmit BTV, and there are no control or repellent methods available that will protect animals from infection.”
The use of these products also has potential environmental, ecological and resistance impacts. Showering or jetting sheep with organophosphate (OP) products contravenes VMD regulations because they are not approved as effective application methods. For further information, see the statement published by SCOPS in June 2022.