External parasites cause significant welfare harm in sheep through irritation, blood loss, disease transmission, and skin damage. Integrated management reduces suffering and resistance risk.
External parasite burden in sheep causes significant suffering that is often chronic and underrecognised. Tick bites cause local pain and can transmit diseases causing serious illness and death. Lice and ked infestations cause persistent pruritus driving self-traumatic rubbing that damages fleece and skin. Welfare-conscious parasite management combines targeted treatment with monitoring to reduce both parasite burden and unnecessary chemical exposure.