Cattle

Ticks – You may see engorged ticks in warm areas such as between the legs and in the ears. Treat with Bayticol or Python ear tags.

Lice and Mange – Signs include itchiness, and rubbing which leads to hair loss. Treat lice and mange with an injectable or pour-on drench that contains a Macrocyclic Lactone.

Ring worm – This is not a worm, it is a fungus. Ring work is transmitted by direct contact or is carried by brushes and halters; it also spreads rapidly. Signs include hair loss and reddening of the skin with lesions normally seen on the head and neck. Note this fungus will clear up by itself over a period of 1 to 4 months. The fungus is also easily passed to humans!

Sheep

Blowflies – Blowflies are more commonly seen in the warmer months (November to March). They are attracted to warm/moist areas which is often around the dirty back end. Treatment includes removing all the wool around the affected area and applying insecticide to the area (Cyrex, Click, Maggo). Prevention is much better so shear sheep, and/or dag sheep (remove dirty wool from back legs).

Lice – Numbers build up during the autumn/winter. There may be no signs at all, or they may become very itchy and rub up against fences and lose wool. Treat with Cyrex or Click. It is important to cover the entire animal so either dip or use a weed sprayer and spray the entire animal.