He National Service for Health and Quality of Agri-Food (SENASA) explained the Health alert from Sheep scab, caused by the mite Psoroptes ovis in seven departments of the Chubut provincea measure that will be in force until December 31, 2026 and aims to stop the spread of a disease that threatens livestock production in Patagonia. The decision is in response to the discovery of emerging outbreaks in areas that were until recently considered free of the disease.
The decision published in the Official Gazette applies to the departments of Gastre, Telsen, Cushamen, Languiñeo, Paso de Indios, Mártires and Gaiman. In these areas SENASA was ordered to intensify prevention, surveillance and control tasks and introduced the obligation to report any suspicion or confirmation of the occurrence of sheep mange.
The obligation falls on authorities at all levels, veterinarians, transport companies, managers of livestock farms, universities, research institutions, zoos, laboratories and all natural or legal persons linked to the agri-food chain.
The central conflict that motivated the measure is the resurgence of the disease in areas declared free after years of health campaigns.
Sheep scabies caused by the mite Psoroptes ovisattacks the skin of animals, reduces the quality of the wool and can lead to significant economic losses.
The province Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands remains free of the disease while Chubut And Holy Cross They achieved this status in 2016 and 2023 respectively. However, the appearance of new outbreaks in Chubut raised alarm.
The document details that conventional treatments using injectable products based on macrocyclic lactones (avermectins and milbemycins) failed to eradicate the disease in 100% of treated animals.
The official tests were carried out between 2018 and 2024 at the Las Plumas Experimental Field in SENASA They concluded “The performance of all macrocyclic lactone injectables tested showed unsatisfactory results as they did not eliminate sheep scabies caused by the mite Psoroptes ovis in 100% of treated animals.”.
For this reason, the Authority has determined that domestic or imported injectable veterinary products intended for the treatment of scabies in sheep must bear the following statement on their labels: “PRODUCT SUITABLE FOR COMBATTING SHEEP MANAGEMENT”.
In contrast, immersion baths with approved products from SENASA They proved effective in eradicating the disease.
The resolution stipulates that when a case is discovered, those responsible for sheep must immediately notify health authorities, treat the entire affected flock under the supervision of accredited veterinarians or personnel designated by the Chubut Provincial Animal Health Commission (COPROSA), and allow official representatives entry to monitor control activities.
The movement of sheep and sheep products from alarm areas to open areas is subject to strict requirements. For the transport of live animals, preventive treatment with two immersion baths, ten to twelve days apart and within seven days before the transfer, is required. In addition, one is required Official health inspection certificate and a 24-day quarantine isolation at the destination farm, where the animals are checked before being integrated into the rest of the herd. For shipments intended for immediate slaughter, different requirements apply depending on the refrigerator type.
The resolution empowers the National Animal Health Directorate from SENASA to include new departments of Chubut in the health alert, extend the validity of the measure and take additional measures if the epidemiological situation requires it.
Failure to comply with the provisions will be punished in accordance with the regime provided for in Law 27.233 and its regulatory decree, in addition to the preventive measures that the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries may order.
The measure comes into force upon its publication in the Official Journal and aims to protect free zones, prevent the spread of sheep scabies and ensure the quality of products of animal origin in accordance with national and international health requirements.
About The Author
