sheep dip
Ref: W07c

Sheep dip is used by farmers to help prevent sheep from developing diseases like sheep scab and against parasites that live on the sheep's body.

The sheep are dipped into a sunken bath of liquid containing powerful chemicals.

Sheep dip area

Farmers have to take care when they are mixing the sheep dip and when they empty the dipping bath after all the sheep have been dipped. The chemicals used in sheep dip can cause harm to human health and to the environment, especially if they are disposed of in large quantities. Sometimes the old dip is spread thinly over farmland, making sure that it does not get into ditches or watercourses.

Disposal of sheep dip needs written authorisation from the Environment Agency.

There are some ways that farmers can reduce the amount of chemicals they use to protect sheep from nasty diseases:

Shepherd and sheep

There are alternatives to sheep dip, such as pour-on solutions. This is a bit like giving the sheep a shower instead of a bath, so less liquid containing powerful chemicals is used. The farmer still has to make sure that the sheep do not go into a stream when they have been 'showered' in case the chemicals get into the water.

Sometimes injections can be given to sheep to stop them getting some types of diseases. If a farmer uses an alternative to sheep dip he or she has to be careful that they are still able to protect their sheep properly against disease. Keeping a close eye on a flock and controlling where the flock is allowed to wander can help to avoid sheep getting diseases.

If sheep have to be dipped there are other ways that farmers can reduce the amount of chemicals held on the farm. By using equipment that does not waste any chemicals and not ordering more than is needed, less dip would have to be bought.

Chemicals entering the water cycle can be a danger to the plants and animals that live in or close to rivers and streams (B09) and indeed all life that relies
on water to live.