Correct Methods and Precautions for Sheep Medicated Bathing

Sheep medicated bathing is an effective method for external deworming of sheep, and can be divided into 3 types: pool bathing, showering and spraying. It is especially effective against sheep scabies. In areas where it commonly occurs, medicated bathing can be carried out twice a year. One is therapeutic medicated bathing, carried out within 7-10 days after spring shearing, and the other is preventive medicated bathing in late summer and early autumn.

The following points should be noted during medicated bathing. Medicated bathing should be carried out on a clear and warm morning. Grazing should be stopped before medicated bathing, and the sheep should be given plenty of water to drink 2 hours before medicated bathing to prevent them from drinking the medicated liquid by mistake due to thirst during bathing. Before medicated bathing, 3-5 sheep in poorer condition should be used for a trial bath to confirm that there is no poisoning problem, and then medicated bathing can be organized according to plan. Bathe healthy sheep first, then diseased and weak sheep. The concentration of the medicated liquid in the pool should be maintained at a depth of 70-100 cm according to the type of sheep, and the temperature of the medicated bath liquid should preferably be 20-25degC. The depth should be enough to submerge the sheep's torso. During medicated bathing, workers hold wooden sticks with hooks and control the sheep on both sides of the bath pool to move forward slowly, keeping their heads raised so they do not dip into the medicated liquid. Each sheep should be bathed for about 1 minute. However, near the exit, the sheep's head should intentionally be pressed into the medicated liquid 2-3 times with the hook of the stick to prevent scabies on the head. After coming out of the bath, the sheep should stay on the draining platform for 20 minutes before being released. After medicated bathing is completed, after the sheep leave the draining platform or filtrate pen, put the sheep into the sheep shed to avoid sunlight, and only after 6-8 hours, when they have dried naturally, may they be fed, watered or grazed.

For treatment, it is 2-3 minutes, and for prevention, 1 minute. The used medicated liquid must not be dumped carelessly, to prevent livestock from eating it by mistake and becoming poisoned. Li Yuying