Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep External Parasite Management

External parasites including sheep scab mites, lice, and keds cause significant welfare harm requiring appropriate prevention and treatment strategies.

Key Facts

Sheep scab caused by Psoroptes ovis mites causes intense itching and wool loss
Scab spreads rapidly through flocks via direct contact and shared pasture
Organophosphate plunge dipping provides effective scab treatment for whole flocks
Macrocyclic lactone injectable treatments are effective but do not prevent spread via wool
Lice infestations cause rubbing and wool damage with secondary skin trauma

Welfare Considerations

External parasites cause intense pruritus, wool damage, and secondary skin infections that cause significant suffering in affected sheep. Timely treatment and appropriate biosecurity measures prevent the spread of highly contagious conditions like sheep scab.

What You Can Do

Implement appropriate quarantine and biosecurity for all incoming sheep
Treat any sheep with suspicious rubbing behaviour promptly and seek veterinary diagnosis
Support industry biosecurity programmes aimed at scab eradication or control