Sheep ked

The sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus) is a specialized ectoparasite belonging to the family Hippoboscidae (order Diptera). It is important to clarify that this organism is not a plant pest but a significant hematophagous parasite of sheep, which can cause severe health and economic issues in livestock farming.

The biology of the sheep ked is highly specialized. It is a wingless fly that spends its entire life cycle on the host animal. Adults measure about 4–7 mm in length and possess strong, clawed legs designed to grip the wool fibers firmly. They feed exclusively on the blood of the sheep, using their piercing-sucking mouthparts to access the capillaries under the skin.

The life cycle involves a process known as pupiparous reproduction. The female does not lay eggs but instead retains the larva inside her body until it is ready to pupate. She then glues the larva to the wool, where it turns into a puparium. After a period of 19 to 30 days, the adult ked emerges and immediately begins to feed and reproduce on the host.

The economic impact of this parasite is primarily related to the damage caused to wool and the general health of the animal. The constant biting leads to intense irritation and scratching, which causes fleece damage and "motted" wool. In heavy infestations, sheep may suffer from anemia, weight loss, and general lethargy, which significantly reduces the profitability of the flock.

Control measures are essential for maintaining herd health. Common practices include post-shearing treatments, such as dipping sheep in acaricidal solutions or applying spot-on insecticides. Thorough and systematic treatment of the entire flock is critical to break the life cycle and eliminate populations, as these insects cannot survive for long periods away from the host animal.