Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-11-06
CARE OF SHEEP
A Well Recommended
Worm Treatment

Orono, Me-, Nov. 5.-The following
was Issued today from the Extension
Department. College Of Agriculture,
University of Maine:
Many inquiries are being received
by the College of Agriculture reia-
tive to the treatment OF sheep for
worms. For more than three months
DR.. Cleaves, Extension Specialist in
Sheep Husbandry, has been devoting
the greater part Of his time to this
problem, working with fiockmasters
in several different counties. During
the first two weeks in October he
gave IL demonstrations Of treatment
for worms. Over 200 sheep were
treated at these demonstrations and
over 40 sheep owners were present.
DR.. Cleaves is using blue vitriol So
luton Cooper sulphate) a very sim
pie, inexpensive remedy which enters
into most Of the proprietary remedies
now on the market. This is by no
means a new remedy, having been
known to the veterinary profession
many years. It seems to be true, how
ever, that the sheep owners through
out the State are not generally ia
miliar with It. Dr.. Cleaves gives the
following brief directions for mixing
and administering the solution:
To make the solution Of correct
strength dissolve one-fourth pound
Of blue vitriol Cooper sulphate) in
one quart warm water, and to this
add enough water to make up to three
gallons. do not use metal contain
ers as the solution will corrode them).
This makes approximately per
cent. solution which is the correct
strength. Three gallons of solution is
enough for about 100 sheep. TO make
smaller quantities use smaller GUAM
titles Of blue vitriol Cooper sulphate)
and water. keeping the correct pro-
portions as given above.
The dose for an adult sheep is 8
1-2 ounces; for lambs IL ounce. de-
pending upon age and weight. When
ever possible the dose should be
measured in q graduate measuring
glass In order that 1t may be accur-
ate.
The sheep and lambs which are to
be treated should be confined in a
pen or yard and kept without food
1920 hours previous to giving the
remedy. Two persons are needed to
give the remedy easily. One catches
the sheep and holds the head between
the knees and the other administers
the solution. A half-inch rubber hose
about two feet long, a brass mouth
piece at one end and funnel either
OF glass, porcelain or hard rubber at
the other is used for turning the So
luton into the sleeps mouth. The
Sleeps head should not be held too
high and the solution should be given
slowly.
Two hours after treatment the
sheep may be fed and watered as
usual. They should be kept confined,
however, for two or three days until
the worms which have been killed
nave been expelled. This is to pre-
vent them being spread over grass
ground and thus reinfecting the ami
mails.
The animals should be given a sec
ond treatment two weeks after the
first because by that time the eggs
ana larvae will have developed into
worms and will be killed by this sec
ond treatment. For precautionary
measures third treatment should be
given one month after the second and
the treatment should be repeated
every three OF four months through
out the year.
AS a further precaution and pre-
tentative pasture rotation and fresh
reed should II possible be provided.
The above is not the only worm
remedy but is probably the easiest to
administer. the cheapest. and fully as
effective as any other. AS mentioned
1t is the basis of MANY
commercial remedies but the home.
mixed solution is just as good and
m 'ch cheaper than any of these. Fur
thcrmoer. it is not new and is not an
experiment. 1t has been effectively
used by veterinarians for many years.
DR.. Cleaves is an experienced vet
erinar!an and practical fockmas-
ter. ANY inquiries addressed to him
at College of Agriculture. Orono
Maine. will receive prompt attention
II you would like q demonstration of
this treatment in your flock write
your county agent or directly to Dr..
Cleaves.