Itchy Sheep...Help!!

[Shepherdess1]

Noticed the store lambs starting to itch and rub a couple of weeks ago, then a couple of the flocks of ewes started it too. The ewes haven't been near these lambs since August. We are a closed flock and very few sheep in the vicinity. Called the vet to do a skin scrape, to find out what the problem was. Took a scrape and wool from four of the worst affected. The lambs were going to be dipped anyway, and the problem in them has cleared up since being dipped. Got the results back from the lab yesterday, and there is no sign of any parasite. Vet doesn't know what is causing it and can only suggest giving them all antibiotics. reluctant to dip the ewes as have only been running with tups for four weeks. Any ideas appreciated.

 

[spark_28]

Give them anti biotics for scratching? No way.

If the dips cleared it then to me it is pretty evident it was lice or scab.

 

[sean m]

Noticed the store lambs starting to itch and rub a couple of weeks ago, then a couple of the flocks of ewes started it too. The ewes haven't been near these lambs since August. We are a closed flock and very few sheep in the vicinity. Called the vet to do a skin scrape, to find out what the problem was. Took a scrape and wool from four of the worst affected. The lambs were going to be dipped anyway, and the problem in them has cleared up since being dipped. Got the results back from the lab yesterday, and there is no sign of any parasite. Vet doesn't know what is causing it and can only suggest giving them all antibiotics. reluctant to dip the ewes as have only been running with tups for four weeks. Any ideas appreciated.

leave them another fortnight then dip them quietly ie steadily not racing them about, should be fine,we have been seeing itchy sheep for about 3 weeks now

 

[Frank-the-Wool]

Get another Vet!
Ask to do a blood test to check for Scab, it is very accurate and will put your mind at rest. It is not easy to get good results from skin scrapes in the early stage of infection.
Alternatively as has been said then Dip them.

If it is only lice then treat with Crovect or equivalent and it will fix the problem.

 

[DrDunc]

Assuming the vet is qualified and doesn't sound like a duck, then parasites like lice or scab ought to be ruled out?

If it is scab, the sheep will rub until their skin is red raw.




There is something called wool rot / lumpy wool. I've no idea of the correct name. It does respond to antibiotics.

The sheep will rub an itch causing the wool to felt and peel. Often the skin flakes like a child with eczema.

However I'd have thought that your vet would know about this..... Maybe time for a second opinion right enough.

 

[ajcc]

Scab/worm inject all the ewes it'll only get worse.