Sheep ked

The sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus) is a wingless, blood-feeding fly belonging to the family Hippoboscidae within the order Diptera. While it is often misclassified in agricultural databases as a plant pest, it is a significant ectoparasite that impacts livestock. This insect resides permanently on the host animal, causing a condition known as melophagosis in sheep flocks.

The primary hosts for this parasite are domestic sheep, although they can occasionally infest goats. Keds feed on blood, spending their entire lifespan within the fleece. Their presence is highly detrimental to the welfare of the animals, leading to restlessness, reduced weight gain, and lower overall productivity of the infected flock.

The lifecycle of the sheep ked is highly specialized. These insects are pupiparous, meaning the female gives birth to a single, fully developed larva that immediately attaches to the wool and pupates. This biological strategy allows the population to remain established on the host throughout the year, provided environmental conditions are suitable for development.

Damage caused by the sheep ked is characterized by intense skin irritation and itching, leading to sheep scratching and biting their own fleece. This activity results in damaged wool fibers, which significantly degrades the quality and market value of the fleece. Furthermore, the presence of keds and their excrement stains the wool, making it commercially unattractive.

Control measures primarily involve mechanical and chemical interventions. Regular shearing is the most effective way to drastically reduce the ked population by removing pupae and adults. Chemical control includes the use of plunge dips, spray-on formulations, or pour-on insecticides. Biosecurity measures, such as inspecting new animals before introducing them to the herd, are essential for prevention.

• Routine inspection of sheep skin and fleece.
• Strategic use of insecticidal dips and pour-on treatments.
• Maintaining optimal stocking density to limit parasite transfer.
• Cleaning and disinfecting sheep housing to reduce pupae survival.