Lumpy wool - a skin disease of sheep

Summary

Lumpy wool is a disease caused by the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis. The bacteria infect the skin, and cause scab formation. Hard scab masses lift from the skin with the fleece as it grows, causing the characteristic 'lumpy wool'. The disease is also called mycotic dermatitis, or ‘dermo’.

Lumpy wool causes loss of condition and deaths in affected mobs, reduced skin values, reduced wool value and additional handling and treatment costs.

Lumpy wool infection also attracts flies, making body strike more likely.

Lumpy wool reduces the efficiency of pour-on insecticides used for lice control.




Download

Primefact 986

Published: Jan 2010