Between 1976 and 1992, a compulsory dipping program was initiated to combat the spread of sheep scab, a highly contagious disease caused by a parasitic mite that lives under the skin. This program mandated that all sheep undergo dipping in a government-approved solution. However, one of the primary components of the dip solution was organophosphates, a chemical still used today. Organophosphates function by attacking pests, including the mites responsible for sheep scab, by disrupting their central nervous system.
As part of the government's initiative, each sheep was required to undergo a rigorous dipping process. They were immersed in a 'dip bath' for a full minute, with their heads submerged under the water twice. This task was particularly demanding, especially for certain breeds weighing up to 16 stone, which were highly resistant to the procedure. Farmers, under the threat of prosecution for non-compliance, were responsible for physically restraining the animals during dipping. This often led to them being splashed with the solution, saturating their clothing and, occasionally, entering their mouths and eyes. The entire process was closely monitored by authorities, initially by the police and later by a civil servant from the Ministry of Agriculture. The official would meticulously time each immersion with a stopwatch to ensure that every sheep received the full minute required.
During the program, numerous farmers reported experiencing health issues shortly after dipping the sheep. However, many failed to link these problems to the dipping process, enduring years of suffering from mental health issues, neurological damage, and debilitating illnesses that rendered them unable to continue working.
This project delves into the lives of two farmers deeply affected by organophosphate poisoning. Paul, hailing from the North of England, is affectionately known as 'the sheep man' for his collection of shepherding crooks, sticks, and sheep memorabilia that adorn his home on the Yorkshire-Lancashire border. Meanwhile, Steven, residing in Undy, South Wales, was forced to abandon his work at the age of 34 due to his exposure to Ops. Both men were raised on farms with the expectation of continuing the farming tradition well into the future. However, this was not to be. Despite a brief moment in the spotlight in 2015 when the Sheep Sufferers Support Group was formed, which brought their story back into the public eye with a visit to Parliament and a meeting with then-Minister of Agriculture George Eustice, the sufferers continue to seek accountability from the government.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by OP poionsing or you would like to find out further information, you can find support and resources at www.sheepdipsufferers.uk
Paul is known as ‘The Sheep Man’. His home is adorned with sheep-related memorabilia, a testament to his deep connection with farming. Adopted by a farmer and his wife at six weeks old, Paul grew up immersed in the world of agriculture, surrounded by animals from a young age. Farming was his passion, and he relished every aspect of it, from attending livestock markets to the physical labor of maintaining the land.
Despite his strong work ethic, Paul has faced lifelong struggles with his mental health. His first 'breakdown' occurred at the age of 17, shortly after dipping sheep. Since then, he has grappled with periods of depression, enduring multiple suicide attempts. Paul often associates these dark episodes with his interactions with dipped sheep, linking the chemicals used in the process to his mental health challenges.
Over the years, Paul has faced recurrent health challenges, including temporary paralysis. Doctors initially struggled to diagnose the issue, speculating about conditions like Multiple Sclerosis.
However, twelve years ago, a newspaper article caught Paul’s attention, shedding light on other farmers facing similar struggles. Intrigued, he spoke to his Spanish GP, whose firsthand experience with OP poisoning among farmers in Spain provided valuable insight. His doctor recommended another physician in Wales who was conducting tests for OP poisoning, presenting it as a viable option for Paul to explore.
Despite the NHS not offering the test, Paul’s persistence led him to a private examination conducted by Dr Sarah Myhill. The results confirmed the presence of organophosphates in his body, providing Paul with a diagnosis of chronic OP poisoning.
Before learning about the Sheep Dip Sufferers Support Group, Paul felt very alone and isolated, he didn’t realise that this was an issue that had affected so many others and has taken a lot of solace in meeting other people who have gone through a similar experience. Since joining the group, he has been very vocal and happy to speak out about his experiences, he is driven by the need to fight for justice, not just for himself, for the sufferers who have sadly passed away and for those who are too ill to speak out for themselves.
Still to this day he is speaking to people who are only now making the connection between their illnesses and their exposure to organophosphates, there are likely still many people out there who are unaware that their health conditions were caused by OP exposure and he hopes that by speaking out that more people will be encouraged to come forward and get tested so that they can get the diagnosis and treatment they need.
Before discovering the Sheep Dip Sufferers Support Group, Paul grappled with profound feelings of isolation and solitude. Unaware of the extent of others' shared struggles, he navigated his challenges alone. However, upon connecting with the group, he found solace in the company of individuals who faced similar challenges.
Since joining the group, Paul has fearlessly shared his journey, including speaking before members of parliament alongside fellow sufferers in 2016. Driven by a profound sense of justice, he advocates not only for himself but also for those who have tragically passed away and those who are too ill to speak for themselves. His unwavering dedication stems from the belief that every individual affected by organophosphate poisoning deserves acknowledgement and support.
To this day, Paul continues to speak to individuals who are only just beginning to recognise the correlation between their health issues and their exposure to organophosphates. By speaking out, Paul hopes to empower others to step forward, seek testing, and access the diagnosis and treatment they deserve.
Coopers Dip advert from September 1976. Notice the stamp at the top of the advert advising that it’s government-approved.
Steven, a retired farmer from South Wales, first encountered organophosphates in 1976 during the compulsory dipping program at the age of 17. As a young man, he enjoyed playing rugby, often practicing his ‘scrumming’ with one of the more easy-going Rams on the farm. He was incredibly hardworking, assisting his father in running the farm during the day and driving lorries a few nights a week. With aspirations of running a transport company alongside the farm, he pursued a college education in mechanics, becoming adept at fixing machinery.
However, Steven's aspirations were shattered by his prolonged exposure to organophosphates, which gradually deteriorated his health. Each encounter with the chemicals left him increasingly debilitated. In 1991, after undergoing the compulsory October dip, Steven collapsed and was confined to bed for a week. Concerned, his parents stumbled upon an article in the Farmers Weekly investigating sheep dip poisoning. Encouraged by this revelation, Steven sought medical assistance, visiting his GP to provide a blood sample for testing at Guy's Hospital's toxicology unit.
At the age of 34, Steven's life took a drastic turn when the test results confirmed his worst fears: he had suffered acute poisoning from organophosphate exposure.
This diagnosis forced Steven to give up his work, abruptly halting his ambitions and drastically altering the course of his life. The promising future he had envisioned was replaced by a daily struggle against the debilitating effects of his poisoning.
Article from the Farmers Weekly dated 25th October 1991. Thanks to this article, Steven was able to go to his GP and have blood taken that would later prove that he suffered accute organophosphate poisoning
