This archive report was first published on 24 August 2019.
Unveiling the Hidden Threat in Sheep's Wool ¶
On a farm in Kenya, a peculiar phenomenon was observed in a herd of 30 mixed-breed sheep, with a majority being of the Dorper variety. The owner, Joan, had introduced two new sheep, which appeared to be sheering themselves, with the wool detaching from their skin.
As a veterinarian, I was called to diagnose and treat the condition. Upon examination, my interns and I found that the sheep were emaciated, had low blood levels, and were infested with sheep keds and mites. The keds, a flightless insect parasite, had strong biting jaws that pierced the skin and sucked blood, causing significant harm to the animals.
The infestation was so severe that the sheep were losing a lot of blood, becoming irritated from the bite wounds, and scratching against objects. The combined infestation of mites and keds caused breakage of wool fibres close to the skin, resulting in the detached wool fibres creating an 'undressing spectacle.'
After administering the correct treatment, including ivermectin injection, acaricide wash, vitamin, and iron injection, the two sheep were fully sheered and washed to ensure good penetration of the acaricide onto the skin. The farmer was also advised to increase the daily intake of feed and mineral salt for the sheep to help them recover the lost blood and weight.
Regular shearing and washing with suitable acaricide can control ticks, keds, and mites in wool sheep. It is essential to quarantine new animals for at least two weeks to prevent the spread of diseases and to deworm, wash with acaricide, and provide identification for the new stock.
One month later, I visited the farm with the interns and found that the sheep had recovered fully. This case highlights the importance of regular monitoring and treatment of external parasites in sheep to prevent significant harm and ensure the health and well-being of the animals.
