Comparison of a new sheep dipping technique with saturation-type methods.

Abstract Three methods of dipping sheep for ectoparasite control, plunge dipping, shower dipping and two models of a James “Mini-shower”(R) (Mk I, Mk II) were compared for efficiency. Usingdiazinon and fenthion-etliyl, at rates recommended by the manufacturers, both plunge and shower dipping gave 6 to 8 weeks protection from flystrike and at least 10 week sprotection from re-infestation by lice. Insecticides applied by both models of “Mini-shower” gave significantly less protection from flystrike (2–3 weeks) than either plunge or shower dipping. Four weeks' protection from louse re-infestation was achieved using insec-ticides applied by the Mk I “Mini-shower”.