FEARS that sheep scab mites from the Dean's free roaming sheep had transferred to a human remain unconfirmed.

John Parker of Gloucestershire Trading Standards said: "I don't believe we have any sheep in the Forest that currently fit the normal pattern for sheep scab.

"Quite frankly I just haven't seen any signs, even though this is the right time of year for infection. I do know the commoners' are very concerned so a watching brief is being kept on and they need to let us know if they see any signs of sheep scratching badly and pulling at their fleeces.

"Normally, transfer to human beings would only occur among people who work closely with sheep – stockmen – for example. They would have to be handling sheep to get it, because the mites much prefer sheep to humans and don't transfer willingly."

Mr Parker confirmed that sheep scab is a notifiable disease and if it is confirmed, sheep will need to be brought in off the Forest by either the commoners' or Trading Standards and assessed by a vet before treatment.