Gunnison Valley News | 1929-08-22 | Page 6 | Sheep Tick Infestation Cause of Loss of Lambs

Sheep Tick Infestation Cause of Loss of Lambs Sheep ticks, Malophagus ovinus, are, strictly speaking, not ticks, but highly modified flies that have taken up a ticklike existence. Tlie female retains the larvae in tlie abdomen until ready to pupate, when eight or ten are layed. These immediately attach themselves to hair and pupate. Tlie pupal stage lasts from three to six weeks. While light infestation with sheep ticks produces pro-duces no visible symptoms, heavy infestations in-festations cause loss of flesh and losing los-ing of wool. Since infestation of young lambs occurs by ticks that have left recently sheared wool, lambs should be kept a considerable distance from the stored wool. In severe infestation, dipping may be necessary.