The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: RonMinch on April 29, 2013, 08:09:52 am

Title: Scaby Heads (Flys??)
Post by: RonMinch on April 29, 2013, 08:09:52 am

Hi Doing a bit of maintenance on ewes yesterday, GFDs, and noticed some scaby patches on heads of two of them, fleece matted, with small bits in, looks like fly eggs but no sign of maggots surley to early for flys. Skin isnt broken but looks sore in small area. Anyway clipped fleece back and applied blue spray. Not the best looking GFDs now! Anyone any ideas before I ring the vet? Ron.

Title: Re: Scaby Heads
Post by: ScotsGirl on April 29, 2013, 08:12:30 am

If it is definitely not just the lanolin rising in the wool and skin is actually red and sore then I would clip fleece off affected areas.


My mind has gone blank but there are a couple of things it could be which may need chemical treatment. Someone who's brain is awake will be along in a minute with the answer. Probably phone vet though

Title: Re: Scaby Heads
Post by: Marches Farmer on April 29, 2013, 10:11:50 am

If it's warm enough for flies then it's warm enough for fly eggs .....

Title: Re: Scaby Heads
Post by: RonMinch on April 29, 2013, 04:31:13 pm

Not seen fly strike on heads before, is this a seasonal thing do you think?

Title: Re: Scaby Heads (Flys??)
Post by: Marches Farmer on April 29, 2013, 07:43:44 pm

I've seen it on polled breeds in the area where the horns would normally be, and I believe head flies occur in Scotland.

Title: Re: Scaby Heads (Flys??)
Post by: RonMinch on April 30, 2013, 07:56:13 am

Yes MF it is in the area were the horns would be, will keep an eye on it over the next few days.