Managing Blowfly Strike & Sheep Scab

With many farms buying replacement breeding ewes, now is the time to stop sheep scab being a problem on farms. Hygeia Winter Dip is particularly beneficial for the treatment and control of both sheep scab and blow fly strike.

Prevention is always the best policy. New sheep entering a flock should be dipped and isolated from the rest of the flock. In all cases, a closed flock will prevent the disease entering the farm. The mite can survive off the sheep for 16 to 18 days  on items like gate posts, trailers and fencing posts, hence a 21 day isolation period is advised.

Sheep scab is caused by a tiny, pearly-white mite (Psoroptes ovis). Sheep scab can be controlled by using a diazinon based dip such as Hygeia Sheep dip or by macrocyclic lactone based injections. Given the potential risk of resistance with injectables to both Scab mite and internal parasites it is advisable to consult your Veterinary Surgeon.  In addition, it is important to note that pour-on type products offer no effective control of sheep scab.

With mild conditions and scouring lambs,  blow fly strike remains to be an issue. Hygeia Winter Dip is also an effective solution for blow fly.

There are special precautions to be taken. Diazinon is an organophosphorous compound. Always consult the Label and wear the appropriate protective clothing.

New to Hygeia’s range is Golden Biscuit Show & Sale Wash. Golden Biscuit Show & Sale Wash colours the fleece, whilst offering excellent repellency. It is suitable for all sheep type and purls, tightens and conditions the wool; improving the appearance of sheep for show and sale.

Also new is Hygeia Post Maggot Oil. This is a liquid emollient oil for sheep after flystrike attack. Post Maggot Oil cleanses the affected areas and is infused with the natural benefits of eucalyptus and citronella oil.