Lice infestation of sheep will reduce wool value. Scabby mouth Scabby mouth is a viral disease of sheep, goats and occasionally cattle. These scabs usually start at the corner of the mouth and move to the lips and muzzle. Scabs may also occur at the coronets above the hooves and on the ears. The disease mainly affects young sheep and can cause a severe setback as a result of restricted grazing.
Scabs remain infectious for long periods, and each new lot of lambs can be infected.
Mixing infected bought-in sheep may lead to the rapid spread of the disease, especially if the property's sheep have not been previously exposed to it. The disease can also affect people handling infected sheep, causing itchy sores. Fleece rot Prolonged wetting of long fleeces may lead to fleece rot. Tissue fluid from the wet skin causes matting of the wool fibres, and depending on the bacteria involved, coloured pigments may be produced. The value of affected fleeces is reduced.