This follows recent outbreaks in Hopefield, Moorreesburg, Bredasdorp and Beaufort Wes.
“Sheep-scab is caused by the sheep scab mite. This notifiable disease is highly contagious and characterised by intense itching which causes the sheep to nibble at the wool, resulting in serious wool losses,” he said.
Western Cape RPO chairman John Durr said the problem is exacerbated by the fact that the names of the farmers and farms where sheep scab outbreaks occur are protected in terms of Act 35 of 1984.
“Sheep scab outbreaks are more often than not caused by poor or non existent bio-security structures. We find it counter-productive that the details pertaining to outbreaks are not being made public,” he explained.
National Wool Growers’ Association Northern Cape chairperson Gerrit du Toit said all outbreaks should be reported. “This is a serious disease with the potential to cause widespread damage if left unchecked,” he noted.
