THE SHEEP AND ITS DISEASES. 299 
to infested fields as a rule, though the chances of infection are greatly re- 
duced by simply keeping the flock out of them when the grass is wet with 
dew or rain, Isolate infested animals, and even destroy them in some case 
Professor Law names the following, a half-pint daily to each sheep: 
Linseed, rape, pea, oat, barley, or unbolted 
wheat flour, 40 Ibs. 
Powdered gentian or anise seed, 4 Ibs. 
Sulphate or oxide of iron, 1 lb. 
Common salt, 4 lbs. 
Though this may be given with some hopes of benefit, cases that are 
bad or confirmed will generally resist the best treatment. 
DISORDERS OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
The disorders of the breathing-apparatus in the sheep are in general 
the same as those in cattle, such as Cough, Cold, Catarrh, Bronchitis, 
Laryngitis, Pneumonia, and occasionally Consumption. Their symptoms 
and suitable treatment are given under the appropriate articles on the 
Ox. It may be remarked that a form of cold in the head, characterized by 
a thin, watery, mattery discharge, is contagious, and that an animal so 
suffering should be isolated to prevent a further spread. 
SCAB. 
This is a very destructive disease, similar in general to mange or itch 
in other animals. It is due to the presence of parasities, which are easily 
transmitted from one sheep to another by direct contact, by occupying 
places in which infested sheep have been kept, or by rubbing objects which 
they have touched; and even attendants or dogs will carry them to the 
flock. The disorder is more common in dirty, weak, unhealthy, and long- 
wooled sheep. In addition to itching and scratching, it is characterized by 
pustules, ulcers, scabs, and falling of patches of wool. 
TREATMENT.—First moisten and remove the scabs with warm soap- 
suds. Ifthe wool is heavy, patience will be requisite, and care will be 
needed to avoid staining of the fleece. Professor Law gives the following 
as suitable and safe: 
Tobacco, 16 pounds. 
Oil of tar, 3 pints. 
Soda-ash, 20 pounds. 
Soft soap, 4 pounds. 
Water, 50 gallons. 
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