VPA 221: Veterinary Entomology and Acarology (1+1)

LIFE CYCLE - SHEEP KED

• They are permanent ectoparasites and the females glue the mature larvae to the wool of the sheep
• The larvae is initially yellowish and soon turns into chestnut brown colour  pupa
•  Pupa is ovoid with broad ends and lasts for 21days
•  The female fly survives for 5 months and produces 10-15  larvae during her lifetime 
•  The gestation period is 10-12 days for each larvae.  The infection from sheep to sheep is spread by contact
• Sheep with dense wool are known to spread the infestation