GA Livestock Services
Why we shear sheep
There are many reasons why it is so important that sheep are sheared every summer ,
Please note that GA Livestock services is NOT a vet and if you have any major concerns or want to know more please contact a Vet and seek medical advice.
Comfort
Animal welfare is the most important part of Stockman-ship .
How would you feel if you had to wear a wooly jumper in a heatwave ?
Shearing keeps sheep cool in the warmer months and reduces the risk of parasitic infestation and disease. It also reduces the risk of sheep becoming 'rigged' or stuck on their backs, which can make them vulnerable to attack by crows or other predators.
So please book in your sheep when the weather starts to get warmer !
Flystrike
Flystrike in sheep is a condition where blowflies lay eggs on soiled wool or wounds, and the hatched larvae (maggots) feed on the sheep's flesh. This can cause significant pain, tissue damage, and even death if left untreated. Flystrike is a major concern for sheep owners, particularly during warm, humid weather
Some Symptoms of Fly strike :
. Signs of irritation leading to inappetance, dullness and depression.
. Foul smelling areas of moist, stained wool – often dark green in colour. This is most common around the back end, chest and feet.
. Sheep isolated from the flock and looking unwell.
. Kicking of the hind limbs and tail shaking.
. Maggots present at skin level upon parting the fleece.
. Skin lesions (from reddened areas to “tears” in the skin to deeper wounds with muscle and even bone exposed).
How to prevent it ?
Fly Strike sometimes can catch us off guard and we sometimes can’t help it ! Here are some things you can do to try and prevent fly strike when the weather heats up :
- Docking lambs is said to prevent flystrike because it prevents the build-up of dags, which
attract the flies.
- Shearing your sheep or dag them out in the earlier months
- Keep your sheep clean, as dirty wool attracts flies.
-Ensure that you have a good worm control program, as diarrhoea caused by worms will attract flies
For any more details read this article
https://www.nadis.org.uk/disease-a-z/sheep/blowfly-strike-cutaneous-myiasis-maggots/#:~:text=Diagnosis%20is%20based%20on%20visual,flystrike%20may%20grow%20black%20wool.
