propetamphos and Ectoparasitic-Infestations

The Tweed River Purification Board's objective of reducing the numbers and significance of water pollution incidents by a proactive approach based on persuasion and education is described. This has consisted of prioritising potential pollutant sources which have then been investigated in detail followed by discussion and agreement with dischargers as to remedial measures. The paper describes in detail the Board's investigation of pollution from the organophosphate (OP) sheep dips, Diazinon and Propetamphos, and their effects on surface waters throughout its area. Examination of historical incidents and a preliminary survey of sheep farms in the Ettrick Water catchment in 1989 confirmed the potential for serious pollution. Comparison of OP concentrations in the Ettrick with strategic sites throughout the catchment confirmed the widespread nature of the problem and led to visits to every sheep farmer in the Board's area in 1990 and 1991, when 795 dippers were investigated. The study involved risk assessments of the location of dippers and the spent dip disposal practice which confirmed that poor siting, inadequate disposal and particularly poor management of the dipping operation were responsible for the pollution problems observed. Practical advice on the management of dipping and disposal of spent dip was given individually to farmers. The success of the project in reducing pollution is reflected in a significant and sustained reduction in OP concentrations in environmental samples. The future of ectoparasitic treatments for sheep, the potential for antidotes to spent sheep dip and legal obligations relating to its safe disposal is also considered.

Topics: Animals; Data Collection; Diazinon; Ectoparasitic Infestations; Fresh Water; Insecticides; Organothiophosphorus Compounds; Quality Control; Risk Assessment; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; United Kingdom; Water Pollutants, Chemical

Topics: Animals; Diptera; Disease Susceptibility; Ectoparasitic Infestations; Female; Insecticides; Male; Organothiophosphorus Compounds; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Tail; Wound Healing

Propetamphos is a new organophosphorous compound with broad spectrum acaricidal and insecticidal activity. Dip wash concentrations of 100 to 200 ppm protect sheep against field challenge for approximately 10 weeks for blowflies, 16 weeks for lice and keds and six weeks for ticks. During laboratory and field trial studies a wash concentration of 125 ppm propetamphos eradicated sheep scab and protected from reinfestation for over four weeks.

Topics: Animals; Diptera; Ectoparasitic Infestations; Female; Insecticides; Lice Infestations; Mite Infestations; Organothiophosphorus Compounds; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Tick Infestations