IT is feared that a Forest man has become a rare victim of the mite-bourne sheep scab disease after he collapsed in a local village.

The incident has brought a warning from the Commoners' Association and Trading Standards are continuing to investigate.

Secretary of the Commoners, Mick Holder, said that all sheep owners – farmers, smallholders and commoners – should keep a watchful eye on their stock for any signs of scab, such as repeated itching.

He said: "I would urge everyone to be vigilant. Nothing has yet been positively confirmed but it is as well to be on our guard."

Mr Holder says the scare arose following the collapse of a resident in a Forest village. He says he understands the man was seen by a doctor who said his symptoms were similar to sheep scab.

John Parker of Gloucestershire Trading Standards confirmed that they were investigating a possible outbreak of sheep scab in the Forest and its transfer to a human.

"The gentleman concerned went to his doctor because he was worried about an area of infection on his leg. Having been in the Forest today I would say we don't have any sheep showing any visible signs of sheep scab, but I know the Commoners are very concerned and it is important that all eyes are kept on the sheep."

If sheep scab is found in the Forest and begins infecting the 1,000 plus animals in the free roaming flock, compulsory notices could be served to bring all sheep in for treatment, temporarily closing the Forest to sheep.