common diseases/pest for sheep
some of the most common and dangerous disease and pest that are affecting sheep in Australia are listed below:
- phalaris staggers: is a toxic disease occurring in sheep. its is caused by a toxic substance that gathers ion the young shoots of the perennial (lives for two or more years)
- flat worm: parasites that live in an animals digestive system. large numbers of flat worm can cause weight loss, loss of bloods cells and eventually death.
- sheep blowfly: when blowflies lay their eggs in warm, moist areas of the sheep wool-normally around the breach system. it can cause skin infections and irritation.
- Lice: spend most of their time next to the skin, and are difficult to see within dense wool or hair. Three species of lice are found on sheep. The primary animal reaction to lice is itching. Severe infestations can cause anemia. Various insecticides can be used to control lice on sheep.
- Milk fever: Milk fever is a metabolic disease affecting mostly pregnant ewes near term when calcium requirements are the highest. It is most commonly caused by an inadequate intake of calcium, but can also be caused by a ewe's inability to mobilize calcium reserves prior to or after lambing.