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<p>This is a devolved matter and the information provided therefore relates to England
only.</p><p> </p><p>Endemic diseases like sheep scab affect animal health and welfare,
as well as productivity. As set out in the <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/693158/25-year-environment-plan.pdf"
target="_blank">25 year Environment Plan</a> and the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/agricultural-transition-plan-june-2021-progress-update/agricultural-transition-plan-june-2021-progress-update"
target="_blank">Agricultural Transition Plan: June 2021 progress update</a>, we are
working with industry to reduce the impact of endemic diseases, including through
the launch in 2022 of an Annual Health and Welfare Review for eligible livestock farmers.</p><p>
</p><p>Sheep Scab initiatives are currently managed at a local level but we are working
with Devolved Administrations to plan how we tackle the condition across regions.</p><p>
</p><p>A group of experts have recently been successful in a bid for funding from
Defra via the Rural Development Programme for England to lead a two-year community-led
project to improve the control of sheep scab in three hot spot areas where scab currently
presents a significant problem: the North West, the Midlands and the South West. Farmers
participating in this initiative will receive a unique combination of on-farm advice,
best practice training, and free blood testing.</p><p> </p><p>Farmers seeking further
advice on sheep scab can contact the <a href="http://apha.defra.gov.uk/documents/surveillance/diseases/into-note-sheep-scab-resistance-.pdf"
target="_blank">Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA)</a>.</p>
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