CHAP. ni. . DISEASES OF SHEEP. 581 



CHAPTER III. 



ON THE DISEASES OF SHEEP. 



HUSK OR HOOSE is a form of bronchitis resulting from the presence 

 of thread-like worms (Strongylus filaria) in the air passages. In 

 its acute form it is confined to young animals (not only lambs but also 

 calves), and seldom affects older sheep. Autumn is the time when our 

 flocks suffer most, although the disease is made known to the careful 

 observer as early as July or August. The young of the " Husk " 

 parasite are hatched out in the lungs, and are subsequently expelled in 

 the act of coughing. On reaching the soil they take up their abode 

 in the body of the earth-worm, where they undergo a certain phase of 

 development, and afterwards re-enter the lungs of the sheep to complete 

 their growth and propagate their kind. 



Symptoms. The symptoms of husk are mainly confined to the 

 breathing organs. It is usually the case that a large number of the 

 flock are affected at the same time, or become so in rapid succession. 

 Coughing is the first sign of its presence, and this continues for some 

 weeks without any material discharge from the eyes and nose such as 

 marks a common cold. The cough is frequent, and sometimes violent 

 and distressing. It is most troublesome in the early morning and the 

 cool of the evening, and is soon excited under exertion. As the disease 

 advances the lambs lose condition, the appetite is capricious, and the 

 breathing becomes hurried and laboured. Later on diarrhoea appears 

 and adds to existing depression, and unless relief be afforded this 

 is succeeded by exhaustion and death. In outbreaks of this kind the 

 first opportunity should be taken to examine the lungs after death in 

 search of the parasite, the presence of which removes all doubt as to 

 the nature of the affection. 



Treatment. Animals affected by this disease should be placed on a 

 dry pasture with ample protection from cold easterly and north-easterly 

 winds. They should not be hurried or chased by dogs, but kept as 

 quiet as circumstances will permit. A liberal ration of corn, cake, and 

 bran should be allowed daily, and with it sulphate of iron and salt may 

 be given as an alterative and tonic, to enrich the blood and support 

 strength. A dose of turpentine every third da} r until three doses have 

 been administered is highly recommended by experienced veterinarians 

 and shepherds. 



As a preventive it is a good practice not to pasture lambs on clover 

 or grass which has been eaten off by old sheep, especially if any of the 

 latter have suffered from chronic cough or wasting. Where the disease 

 has made considerable advance, and great prostration exists, the sick 

 lambs should be housed in a warm dry stable. If diarrhoea is acute, a 

 little brandy with a few drops of tincture of opium and a few grains of 

 nutmeg should be given twice daily in a tablespoonful of linseed tea. 



