DISEASES OF- SHEEP. 69 



ITCH OR SCAB IN SHEEP. 



This is a disease known in all parts of the world from 

 time immemorial, and was formerly much feared on account 

 of its very extensive devastations among sheep. In the 

 present time this fear is removed by the experience and 

 knowledge that the disease can be cured in nearly every 

 instance. 



The detection of this disease is not difficult. If upon 

 examination of the fleece places are found where the wool 

 rises above the surface of the fleece, and if the sheep re- 

 peatedly gnaws at such spots or rubs the same against other 

 objects, it may be taken for granted that itch is prevalent. 

 Upon examination of such diseased spots the skin is found 

 to be discolored, of a greenish-yellow, and sometimes a 

 little reddened ; the skin is thickened and covered with a 

 clear moisture. When the skin of such a part is squeezed, 

 the animal will show signs of pain, and upon scratching the 

 spot with the finger the sheep appears to be comforted. 

 The wool upon and near such diseased spot drops ofi" or 

 can be easily removed. In some cases small knots or bub- 

 bles of the size of millet-seed may be found upon or near 

 these spots, which contain a clear, adhesive fluid, which lat- 

 ter partly moistens the skin and partly dries in the form of 

 a thin scab, enlarging and extending and adhering strongly 

 to the skin. The skin under the scab is hard, pale, thick 

 and uneven, cracked and rough. The animal is afflicted 

 with vehement itching, and constantly tries to rub the dis- 

 eased parts by all means. This rubbing causes the wool, 

 which is full of moisture, to become a felty mass, and at 

 last to drop off. The scab or itch generally appears upon 

 the back, on the side of the shoulders and belly and upon 

 the buttocks. The head, legs, genitals and the lower part 



