Life Sciences Commons^™

'Dermo' Fleece Rot And Body Strike On Sheep, S G. Gherardi, S. S. Sutherland, N. Monzu

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

Blowfly strike is one of the major problems confronting the sheep industry in Austrsalia, with an estimated totsalcost of control eceeding $100 million each year.

Sheep are susceptible to five types of strike: body, breach, poll, pizzle and wound. Body strike, is of greater economic importance because its sporadic occurence from year to year makes it difficult to predict and cintrol. Outbreaks of body strike after rain can affect large numbers of sheep and inflict severe production losses.

In eastern Australia fleece rot is generally considered to be the main predisposing factor to blowfly strike, but in Western Australia evidence …

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.

Mycotic Dermatitis (Lumpy Wool) Of Sheep, M R. Gardiner

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

MYCOTIC dermatitis is a common disease of the skin and overlying wool of sheep (and other herbivorous animals).

The photographs show the typical crusts and scabs which result from infection of skin, hair and wool follicles by the mycotic dematitis organism.

This article reviews the causes of lumpy wool infection and sets out control measures.

Mycotic Dermatitis (Lumpy Wool) And Fleece Rot Of Sheep, J Shilkin

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

Matted and sometimes discoloured specimens of wool are often received at the Department of Agriculture during seasons of heavy rainfall.

Two similar but quite distinct diseases are recognised as having caused this condition.

They are mycotic dermatitis (lumpy wool) and fleece rot. Both conditions damage the fleece and render affected sheep susceptible to blowfly strike.