VM LIVE-STOCK 



Scab. — This is a contagious skin disease due to the ravages 

 of a minute acarus — A cams ovis or Derrnatodectes ovis. The 

 disease is known by the following symptoms : The animal 

 shows uneasiness, wool comes away in locks and the parts 

 denuded of wool exhibit pustules. The patient attempts to 

 bite or strike with the feet the parts diseased, and rubs itself 

 against a tree, stone or any other hard object. The affected 

 sheep should be well washed with soapnut powder and water 

 daily. Occasionally, about half an hour before washing, they 

 may be dressed with an infusion of tobacco — half a pound of 

 tobacco to 4 gallons of water. This should not be repeated 

 too often, as tobacco is liable to be absorbed and to kill the 

 patient. Any of the antiparasitic lotions given under " Reci- 

 pes " may also be used. Salt should be placed before the 

 animals to lick at pleasure. 



The Gadfly. — A species of the gad fly, Oestrus ovis, infests 

 sheep and deposits its ova about the nose and the lips. The 

 larvae, when hatched, creep into the nostrils and make their 

 way up into the frontal sinuses, where they remain for about 

 a year feeding upon the mucus. The maggots do not cause 

 any irritation unless they are in large numbers. No treat- 

 ment is necessary, and it is not possible to find out the 

 affected animals. 



Lousbiess. — The sheep louse is Hippobosca ovina. It is 

 generally associated with scab. Treatment is the same as 

 that for scab. 



Ticks. — Sheep are sometimes infested with ticks. There 

 are species peculiar to the sheep, but dog ticks may also 

 attack them. Ticks prefer the ears and the region of the 

 neck and shoulders. When lambs are infested, they suffer 

 much and their growth is arrested. Sponge the affected 

 parts with tobacco infusion and then dress them with lamp 

 oil. 



Flies. — Many of the Muscidae, particularly the Bluebottle 

 fly, Musca vomitoria, and the Flesh fly, Musca ccesar, are very 

 troublesome to sheep. They attack any part that may have a 

 small abrasion or sore, and deposit eggs thereon. The larvae 

 familiarly known as maggots, are soon hatched and they 

 infest the sores and eat into them. Dress the sores with a 

 saturated solution of camphor in oil, to which a little kerosene 

 oil may be added. 



Abortion. — This is not at all uncommon in ewes and is 

 brought about by various causes. No particular treatment is 

 necessary. Placing the ewes for a few days in a sheltered 

 place and nursing them will suffice. 



