While shearing our older sheep we were horrified to find
Flystrike!
She always has a soiled behind but I guess the
warm winter and more parasites this year than ever she suffered a terrible case of flystrike. I had no idea of what to do but I started with a good washing after shearing and packed and powdered her back side with
Kaolin clay. In my opinion Kaolin is something every farmer should have on hand. I use it in the 'orchardina' to protect the early fruit from flies laying their maggots on young fruits and spoiling them. It can also be used in animals to stop diarrhea (kaopectate). It is an all around good thing to have.
Now we know: Symptoms
soiled areas of wool
loss of enthusiasm and appetite (I thought she was just hot)
weakness
Treating my Bessie girl:
Washing daily and hand picking maggots (with gloves)
Packing the wet area with Kaolin clay daily
Feeding electrolytes
Ivomec treatment
Garlic, whey, molasses, honey puree in daily grain feeding
Outcome:
She is doing great but has a bare pink back side. Poor thing... at least she can see it!
