SHEEP DIPS

STATEMENT FROM THE VETERINARY MEDICINES DIRECTORATE

ORGANOPHOSPHATE (OP) SHEEP DIPS

The withdrawal period for two organophosphate sheep dip products has been temporarily extended from 35 to 70 days.

Farmers will have to wait for 70 days after dipping sheep with Cooper’s Ectoforce or Osmond’s Goldfleece before their sheep can be slaughtered or products made from them eaten.  Farmers using the third organophosphate Paracide 62 are already required by the manufacturer and the Government to wait for 70 days.

The temporary extension for the two sheep dip products has been brought in to ensure the safety of people eating sheep products - while the manufacturer gathers evidence that a shorter waiting period is safe.  This follows a modification of the formula for the sheep dips.

The manufacturer has until 19 January 2011 to provide evidence that a shorter waiting period is safe.

Over 4,000 samples of sheep kidney have been tested for residues of organophosphates since 2005.  No residues have been found.

Veterinarians and Suitably Qualified Persons will provide advice to farmers on the use of sheep dip and the withdrawal period.  Should you have any queries, please contact the VMD at postmaster@vmd.defra.gsi.gov.uk or 01932 336911.

Veterinary Medicines Directorate

February 2010

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