Scab

Scab, in Sheep, like itch in man, or mange in horses or dogs, depends upon the irritation of three varieties of minute acari, some of which burrow in the skin, especially if dirty and scurfy, causing much itching, roughness, and baldness. The parasite readily adheres to hurdles, trees, or other objects against which the affected sheep happen to rub themselves, and hence is apt to be transferred to the skins of sound sheep. Chief amongst the approved remedies are diluted mercurial ointments, tobacco-water, turpentine and oil, and arsenical solutions, such as are used for sheep-dipping. One of the best and simplest applications consists of a pound each of common salt and coarse tobacco, boiled for half an hour, in about a gallon of water; to this are added two drachms of corrosive sublimate; and the mixture diluted until it measures three gallons. For each sheep a pint of this mixture should be carefully applied, from a narrow-necked bottle, along the back, and to any other scurfy itchy parts. A second dressing, after an interval of a week, will generally effect a perfect cure.