CONCERNS have been expressed about sheep dips following a review by the Veterinary Products Committee.

Members of the VPC reviewed the use of dips to control or treat external parasites of sheep in cases when the dips are administered through mechanical showers, sprays or jetters.

The report points out that, with the exception of one product authorised for spraying as well as for dipping sheep, there is a lack of data to demonstrate that dips delivered through showers, sprays or jetters are effective and safe.

The VPC suggests that the interested parties should get together urgently to set up trials to produce such data. In the meantime, farmers should be aware that there is little objective evidence that showering, spraying or jetting provides effective treatment against the full range of parasites against which dipping provides protection.

In response to the report the Veterinary Medicines Directorate will be convening a meeting of interested parties to discuss how data might be provided. Both the VMD and the Health and Safety Executive will be reminding those administering sheep dips of their duties under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health.

- Copies of the VPC's report which offers advice on the use of sheep dips through showers and similar equipment can be obtained free of charge from Amanda Baker at the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3LS; telephone (01932) 338313; fax (01932) 336618; e-mail a.baker@vmd.gsi.gov.uk.

Updated: 10:32 Thursday, March 22, 2001