New dipping training initiative launched

Sheep farmers can now secure financial support to help cover the cost of the training required to secure the Certificate of Competence in the Safe Use of Sheep Dips, issued by NPTC.

The training costs between £60-90, but thanks to an initiative from Schering-Plough Animal Health this cost can be offset with free vouchers redeemable for boxes of the water-sachet based OP dip system Coopers Ectoforce.

According to Steve Hewitt from NPTC, the organisation is receiving more and more requests for dipping assessments. It appears sheep producers are increasingly recognising that there is nothing to touch OPs for the control of scab and lice.

"We've noticed a dramatic upturn in the number of farmers undertaking dipping assessments. Numbers were 30% up in 2002/2003 and the upward trend is being maintained this year," he reports.

Schering-Plough Animal Health is now co-ordinating dipping training courses across the country. Interested sheep farmers can call 01694 731777 for further information and be put in contact with their local training co-ordinator.