FROM June 20, a licensing scheme for all sheep dippers - similar to that which already exists for sheep shearers - will be introduced. No farmer should employ dippers unless they hold an appropriate licence.
To reduce the risk of transmitting foot-and-mouth disease, the scheme will limit dippers to working in either controlled or infected areas; all sheep dippers will need to be in possession of a either a red licence for infected areas, or a green licence for controlled areas. A dipper cannot hold both licences concurrently but will be able to change a licence type by re-applying for a new licence and surrendering the old licence.
The only exception to these arrangements is that farmers and/or their permanent employees may dip their own sheep on their own premises.
The Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) will operate the licensing scheme. The sheep dipping licensing unit at the MLC can be contacted on: tel (01908) 844790, or fax (01908) 844788.
Updated: 10:40 Thursday, June 14, 2001
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