NOAH welcomes new sheep dipping leaflet

The National Office of Animal Health today (Thursday) welcomed the joint MAFF/HSE/DETR publication of the revised sheep dipping leaflet AS29.

Speaking after the launch NOAH director Roger Cook said: 'This leaflet has been thoroughly revised to make it even clearer for all those who use sheep dips to make the right decision on what must be done to protect themselves, their staff and the environment.

'Sheep dips are an essential tool used by many farmers to protect their flocks. If farmers want continued access to these products they must read this leaflet and follow its instructions. It is equally important to study the label of the specific product they choose, to ensure everything necessary is done.'

Mr Cook also welcomed the assurance by Dr Jack Cunningham that he had no plans to ban OPs. 'This is very good news', said Mr Cook. 'We are looking forward to meeting MAFF Ministers in April to discuss ways in which farmers can be helped to use these products even more effectively and safely. We are particularly pleased at today's united approach by three government departments.'

12 March 1998

Notes for Editors

1. For further information contact Roger Cook or Alison Glennon at NOAH, tel. +44 (0)181 367 3131

2. The National Office of Animal Health was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent the UK companies which research, develop, manufacture and market licensed animal health products. The association now represents 53 companies which in 1997 accounted for around 95% of the £379 million UK animal health market, with additional valuable exports.

3. The MAFF Ministers Dr J Cunningham and Mr J Rooker launched the new booklet accompanied by the Chief Agricultural Inspector of HSE, Mr David Mattey, at a press conference in MAFF's head quarters on 12 March. Copies of the new booklet are available free of charge from HSE books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS. Tel 01787 881165 or Fax 01787 313995.