Sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus)

Question 1

What are some morphologic features of the sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus)?

Answer 1

• ~5mm in length
• hairy and wingless
• dorsoventrally flattened
• robust legs and tarsal claws

Question 2

How much time does the sheep ked spend on its host?

Answer 2

• spends its entire life on the host
• life span is several months
• viviparus - producing a single larva every 10-12 days
• heaviest infestation in winter and spring
• spread to new host by contact

Question 3

What is the pathogenesis of the sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus)?

Answer 3

• intense pruritis
• anemia in heavy infestations in lambs
• damage to hides - won’t take up dye

Question 4

What are some control methods for Melophagus ovinus?

Answer 4

• dips, pour-ons, dusting (pyrethroids)
• shearing before lambing (removes pupa and adults)
• cross effective treatment from blow fly prevention, so specific treatment for sheep ked isn’t really that necessary