Livestock

Ectoparasite Control in Sheep: Welfare and Resistance Management

Managing sheep scab, lice, blowfly, and ticks to protect flock welfare while managing resistance.

Key Facts

Sheep scab is caused by Psoroptes ovis mites — causing intense pruritus and welfare suffering
Blowfly strike causes severe welfare emergency — maggots liquefy tissue rapidly
Organophosphate resistance is widespread in sheep mites — product selection is critical
Integrated pest management reduces chemical dependence while maintaining welfare protection

Welfare Considerations

Ectoparasites cause significant welfare suffering — sheep scab causes constant pruritus and rapid weight loss; blowfly strike causes intense pain and toxaemia. Welfare-focused control uses appropriate licensed products for each parasite, monitors for resistance, and implements non-chemical prevention (selective breeding, dagging, tail length management). Prompt identification and treatment is a welfare obligation.

What You Can Do

Monitor flocks closely for signs of itching, wool pulling, and skin lesions indicating ectoparasites
Use licensed products appropriate to the specific ectoparasite — not all products treat all parasites
Implement blowfly prevention (dagging, tail scoring) before peak fly season to reduce strike risk