By Ewan Pate, the farming editor

BACK IN February sheep farmers were shocked to learn that cypermethrin sheep dip was to be banned.

With sheep scab an ever- present threat, it looked as if one of the most important controls for this distressing disease was to be unavailable.

Without cypermethrin only certain organophosphate dips would remain in the armoury.

The search for a vaccine is ongoing, primarily at the Moredun Institute outside Edinburgh, but it will be several years before it becomes a realistic option.

In the meantime, the NFUS has apparently secured the support of the Scottish Executive in its campaign to overturn the ban.

The Scottish Executive has now written to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) requesting that it introduces regional authorisations to allow cypermethrin use in Scotland.

This latest move is based on evidence heard at a meeting at NFUS headquarters with the VMD, Scottish Executive, SEPA and other stakeholders.

The original decision was based on some evidence of pollution problems in England and Wales, but not in Scotland.

Anglers have particular concerns about cypermethrin entering water courses.

It may kill fish directly, but it can also kill the insect population on which they feed.

Chairman of the NFUS livestock committee, Nigel Miller, said, “I hope we are moving a step closer to getting cypermethrin back on the market in Scotland.

“The VMD’s decision to withdraw cypermethrin dips across the UK was based on evidence of problems south of the border, not here, yet it has deprived Scottish producers of a vital tool in the fight against sheep scab.

“In particular, it is of critical importance for organic producers, as cypermethrin was their only dipping option.

“We have a good track record in Scotland, where a combination of good practice and industry support has minimised and prevented environmental problems with sheep dip use.

“Importantly, at our meeting, SEPA, the independent enforcement and monitoring authority, was able to advise the VMD that the number of sheep dip-related pollution incidents has been at a low level.

“Regulation should always be correctly targeted and proportionate to the risks.

“This ban fits neither of these criteria.

“We need this product reintroduced as soon as possible and ahead of the autumn dipping period.

“I warmly welcome the Executive’s efforts on this and sincerely hope that the VMD grant the Executive’s and industry’s request for the reintroduction of cypermethrin in Scotland.

“The environmental and animal health evidence now presented justifies such a move.”