The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: sheepy on April 14, 2020, 03:13:37 pm

Title: Spring scab in a closed flock
Post by: sheepy on April 14, 2020, 03:13:37 pm

Hi - I am just treating my flock for scab, again :'( . We had the same thing, at the same time last year, just after lambing in April.
Completely closed flock. Movements off only, for over two years.
No nearby sheep.
No fields next to my fencing (2m gap, double fenced between the cattle next to us, but there are no cattle on it in the winter, from October - May).
Our shearer says they have seen it in closed flocks and think birds are moving it about. Does anyone else have experience of getting scab in closed flocks?? I have plenty of land and my 25 Hebrideans are never stressed for food.

Title: Re: Spring scab in a closed flock
Post by: Muddy Wellies on April 21, 2020, 09:38:47 am

How frustrating!  :-\

Title: Re: Spring scab in a closed flock
Post by: twizzel on April 21, 2020, 09:45:34 am

Have you had scab diagnosed either through bloods or a skin scrape?

Title: Re: Spring scab in a closed flock
Post by: sheepy on April 22, 2020, 02:12:57 pm

Yes last year I had bloods done. I have two Norfolk Horns who showed wool loss first and I had them blood tested, then treated the whole flock with Dectomax (which I can't get this year). Skin healed within days of treatment.

This year looks like an identical picture, NHs showing sudden wool loss and losing clumps. Hebs just starting to get itchy, no wool loss yet. All sheep seem happy and calm, not showing any distress. I've waited a week to let my lambs have another week. Youngest will be three weeks at the weekend. Will use Cydectin this year as Dectomax isn't available and I have been talking to my vet.

Title: Re: Spring scab in a closed flock
Post by: Backinwellies on April 23, 2020, 07:32:44 am

mine get lice every year at lambing (wooden sheds so not much I can do about it) …. are you sure its not that?  Though can have scab and lice  ….. I have taken to giving spot on  and dectomax at turnout   (I got bottle of dectomax a few weeks ago. )

Title: Re: Spring scab in a closed flock
Post by: sheepy on April 23, 2020, 01:14:46 pm

I don't think its lice but I know they can look very similar. We lamb outside, how long can lice live in fence posts etc?

Title: Re: Spring scab in a closed flock
Post by: Backinwellies on April 24, 2020, 07:41:26 am

Quote from: sheepy on April 23, 2020, 01:14:46 pm

I don't think its lice but I know they can look very similar. We lamb outside, how long can lice live in fence posts etc?

Well my vet said they would live from one lambing to next in wood in our shed.