Sheep dip research by the National Poisons Unit, London

The National Poisons Unit conducted two surveys of sheep dip exposures, in 1991 and in 1992. Copies of both reports are available from OPIN.

Surveillance of sheep dip exposures, 23 Sep 1991 to 3 Nov 1991

Summary

Inadequately protected workers exposed to organophosphate sheep dip have been reported to develop symptoms resembling an infectious disease, with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, anorexia, sweating, salivation, pyrexia, weakness and constricted pupils. In some parts of the country these effects are known as "sheep flu".

Sheep dip exposures cause much anxiety in the public and medical communities. However, medical practitioners do not fully utilise the surveillance and reporting system developed by the veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), possibly because of notification problems.

For the compulsory sheep dipping season, 23rd September to 3rd November 1991, the National Poisons Unit (NPU) set up a surveillance system as an adjunct to the VMD reporting system already in place. 34 cases of exposure to sheep dip were identified of which 29 were occupational exposures. Analytical data were available on 19 cases, 10 of which were considered by NPU to be confirmed cases of organophosphate exposure. No deaths were recorded.

The Pilot Study has identified more confirmed cases than expected. The immediate effects on human health from exposure to sheep dips have been recorded, but insufficient information has been gathered on the longer term or delayed effects. Further investigation of the problem by continuing surveillance and case assessment is needed and is continuing during 1992 and 1993.

Continuing surveillance and assessment of human health effects associated with exposure to sheepdips, September to December 1992

No summary is available.