Journal of the South African Veterinary Association Print
version ISSN 1019-9128 BEZUIDENHOUT, J D. A short history of
sheep scab. J. S. Afr. Vet. Assoc. [online]. 2011, vol.82, n.4,
pp. 188-189. ISSN 1019-9128. The history of sheep scab is
briefly discussed since it was first mentioned in 180 BC. It was
probably introduced to South Africa by the early settlers and
was mentioned as a problem by Simon van der Stel, although its
cause was only discovered in 1809. Various measures taken over
the centuries to control or eradicate the disease, which has
always been of considerable economic importance, are discussed,
as well as the failures and reasons why it is still with us
today. Keywords : Brandsiekte; dermatitis; Psoroptes ovis; scab
legislation; sheep dipping; sheep.