Sheep dip

Sheep dip is a liquid formulation of insecticide and fungicide that shepherds and farmers use to protect their sheep from infestation against external parasites such as itch mite (Psoroptes ovis), blow-fly, ticks and lice.

The world's first sheep dip was invented and produced by George Wilson of Coldstream, Scotland, in 1830.

That dip was based on arsenic powder and was exported by package steamer from nearby Berwick-upon-Tweed.

There are two broad classes of sheep dip: organophosphorus compounds, from which chemical warfare agents were later developed, and synthetic pyrethroids.

These dips are redundant in the major sheep breeding countries, as the backliners and jetting provide a better alternative.