DISEASES OP SHEEP. 73 



taken for granted that itch disease is jDrevalent, and all 

 further doubts are removed by the appearance of mites 

 upon the diseased skin ; it must, however, be stated that 

 itch disease may prevail without any mites being observed. 

 Like the itch of all domestic animals, this disease presents 

 no danger to sheep ; it is not, as formerly generally believed, 

 the result of a particular acrid or corrupt condition of the 

 humors, being nothing else than a local disease of the skin, 

 which may become dangerous and deadly only in conse- 

 quence of long duration or accidentally. Notwithstanding 

 this, the disease is of a very disagreeable and obnoxious 

 character if it is permitted to affect a large part of the 

 herd. Its cure is a matter of some difficulty, and the dis- 

 ease costs a large amount of fodder and trouble, loss of 

 wool and a partial destruction of the fleece, which latter is 

 caused by the application of remedies. When the animal 

 is at the same time afflicted with other diseases, or emaciated 

 in consequence of eruptions, the result of the cure may be- 

 come doubtful, and depends upon the general constitution 

 of the animal. There is, however, no doubt that sheep 

 itch may be effectually cured during all times of the life 

 of the animal in case of prompt attention. There is no 

 prevention of the disease ( in the general application of 

 said word) either by medical or other means, and all so- 

 called preventive remedies consist in a proper attention to 

 and diet of the animals, or in their separation from others 

 affected with itch. The cure only requires a local treat- 

 ment and external remedies. In case the affected sheep is 

 emaciated , and weak, a lick composed of sulphur, juniper- 

 berries, calamus-root, tar, turpentine and bran may be given 

 in suitable portions with good results; and in case of rot 

 or other diseases, other remedies suitable for the same may 

 be also applied. The cure of itch is either palliative or 

 radical. In a case where only a few animals of a herd are 

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