286 Sheep-Farming 



far more annoying to the sheep than the presence 

 of the grub. I do not think they ever burrow into 

 the brain, as many flockowners believe. Although 

 they are very common, I doubt whether they ever 

 kill a sheep. I have seen over twenty in the base of 

 the horns of an old Merino ram that was dehorned, 

 and he showed no annoyance from their presence 

 whatever. It is probable, however, that they are 

 one cause of catarrh. 



Catarrh. — This is one of the unpleasant ailments, 

 but is not a primary disease and is not to be treated 

 directly. Chronic cases usually indicate a low state 

 of vitality. Open-wooled sheep that are exposed to 

 rains and are compelled to lie on cold, damp ground 

 suffer most from it. The English breeds trans- 

 planted to this country are far more subject to it than 

 Merinos. Acute cases may arise from confinement 

 in ill-ventilated stables or exposure to a single 

 storm. Good care and feeding is the best treatment 

 in either case. However, tonics, as ginger, gentian, 

 and copperas, may be used with good effect. 



Dysentery, scours. — This is another of the second- 

 ary ailments; that is, it is a result, rather than a 

 disease in itself, usually, of a digestive disturbance. 

 Sudden changes of pasture or feed and overeating 

 cause temporary derangement, though it may be 

 severe enough to cause death. Frequently lambs or 

 even mature sheep turned upon rank fall pasture 

 after, a long fast in a stockyard or on railway cars 



