Alliance urges farmers urged to be vigilant for Cattle scab

Alliance South Down spokesperson Councillor Patrick Clarke is urging farmers to be vigilant following the discovery of a case of cattle scab in Scotland.

Councillor Clarke

Cattle scab, also known as psoroptic mange, is caused by mites that pierce the animal’s skin to feed. It causes severe dermatitis leading to immense irritation for the animal.

Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke stated, “The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) have urged farmers to be aware and vigilant with their cattle following the increasing incidence of the disease in England and Wales.

“The usual signs of cattle scab are intense itching and secondary infections are common leading to bleeding and crusting. Affected animals inevitably lose weight and in extreme cases death can occur.

“The disease causes severe dermatitis with scab formation along the back, shoulders and tail head, but it can also extend over the lower body, hind legs and the tail.

Clarke added, “I would urge farmers to be extra vigilant due when checking their cattle due to the discovery of a case of cattle scab in Scotland which was recently diagnosed by vets from Scotland’s Rural College.”

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Posted by Newry Times News on Mar 25 2014. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry