Gwaredu Scab ‘Test and Treat’ Project Launched in Wales

A project, known as ‘Gwaredu Scab’, which aims to combat sheep scab outbreaks across Wales by offering funding to diagnose and treat infected sheep has been launched this month.  It is the first nationwide ‘test and treat’ programme of its kind. 

Gwaredu Scab is funded by the Welsh Government, with £1.5 million committed each year for a minimum of two years.  The project, which is led by Coleg Sir Gâr, offers a completely free service from diagnosis through to whole flock treatment.

Sheep scab is an extremely contagious disease caused by the parasitic mite Psoroptes ovis and is easily transmitted between flocks.  Clinical signs of infection include mild to excessive scratching and itching, loss of wool, skin lesions, weight loss and, in extreme cases, mortality. However, clinical signs alone are not sufficient to diagnose this disease and confirmation of disease can only be undertaken by skin scraping or antibody blood tests.

Farmers suspecting that they have sheep infected with scab should ring the Gwaredu scab helpline on 01554 748576 or email the team on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Where scab is confirmed by a skin scrape (or ELISA blood testing for contiguous flocks) the whole process from veterinary diagnosis to treatment will be fully funded by the project. 

Full details about the project, including an FAQ can be found at https://ahww.cymru/home/ FUW members may also contact their county office for further information.