Just Read the Regulations

William McColl, BVM & S, MRCVS

Nether Cambushinnie, Braco, Dunblane

Letter in The Scottish Farmer, 18 January 2003

Sir,

With reference to the news report ‘Call to cut scab incidence’ (The SF, December 28, 2002) I would strongly urge Professor Quintin McKellar and Dr Bob Coop of the Moredun Institute to read the standards for organic farming.

As far as I am aware, both SOPA and the Soil Association Scotland allow a prelambing worm dose in ewes as a strategy to combat the physiological spring rise of worms in a lambing flock.

Both organisations are keen for farmers to devise a sheep scab reduction plan over the organic conversion period using closed flocks, fencing, quarantine of brought-in animals and conventional products effective against sheep scab.

This does not mean a token backend jab of avermectin which, as far as I am concerned, is no way of tackling the current scab problem.

So please, Professor McKellar and Dr Coop, don’t ask the organic sector to review its regulations - just go out and read them for yourselves.

William McColl,
Nether Cambushinnie,
Braco,
Dunblane

Land-Care Editorial Note

We sourced the “standards of organic farming” referred to in William McColl’s letter by contacting SOPA, to learn that they were the same ones previously referred to on this website (1). We found little clear guidance applicable to the eradication of sheep scab that would refute Professor McKellar’s concerns (2).

Indeed, discussion with a representative of SOPA increased our anxiety over their attitude to the control of sheep scab - with such comments as “preventative medicines should only be used when there is considered to be a high risk” (when it is probably too late), “sheep scab is not endemic in the UK”, and “it should be controlled simply by following good husbandry” etc. As far as we are aware double fencing between organic farming enterprises and neighbouring farms is singularly lacking - perhaps they do not care about their neighbours?

SOPA pointed to para 5.4.C of the guidelines (1) as adequately covering their position. We reserve doubts and look forward to Professor McKeller’s response.

References

1. United Kingdom Register of Organic Food Standards (UKROFS). Chapter 5: Disease Prevention and Veterinary Treatment. (View on Land-Care).

2. “Organic Farmers will have to get real” says Professor McKellar. Land-Care, 23 December 2002. (Click here to view).

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