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Dispelling Some Myths About 'Dermo', J R. Edwards

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

There are a lot of misconceptions and myths about dermatophilosis, a disease which can kill young lambs, affect wool quality, make shearing difficult and make sheep susceptible to fly strike.

One misconception is perpetuated by the incorrect use of the name mycotic dermatitis, which implies that a fungus causes the disease. This is not so.

The disease is caused by the bacteria Dermatophilus congolensis, which attacks the sheep's skin and eventually forms a lesion or scab in the wool, and so is better called dermatophilosis, 'dermo' or 'lumpy wool'.

Veterinary Epidemiologist at the Albany Regional Office, J.R. Edwards, discusses …

Lumpy Wool May Increase By Dipping : Research Roundup, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Lumpy wool, or mycotic dermatitis, is an infectious disease on the skin of the sheep caused by the bacterium Dermatophilus conglensis. The organism invades the wool and hair follicles, causing formation of skin lesions producing scabby material which binds the wool fibres into a hard mass.

Research shows that 'dipping' may increase the incidence of lumpy wool with some chemicals a greater risk than others.