Fleece rot and dermatophilosis in sheep

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Dermatology
• Animal Microbiology
• Sheep Production

Background:

• Fleece rot and dermatophilosis are significant bacterial skin diseases in sheep, leading to reduced health, productivity, and increased susceptibility to blow fly strike.
• The aetiology, prevalence, pathogenesis, and resistance mechanisms of these diseases are complex, involving interactions between host factors and microbial communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of fleece rot and dermatophilosis in sheep.
• To explore existing and potential future control strategies, including genetic resistance, vaccines, and microbial ecology management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of aetiology, prevalence, pathogenesis, resistance, vaccines, and control strategies for sheep skin diseases.
• Analysis of microbial ecology, host genetics, and immune responses related to fleece rot and dermatophilosis.

Main Results:

• Severity of fleece rot is linked to Pseudomonas aeruginosa abundance, with other bacteria also contributing.
• Heritable wool and body conformation traits influence susceptibility, and genetic markers for resistance are being investigated.
• Current vaccines have limited efficacy against diverse bacterial isolates, highlighting the need for improved strategies.

Conclusions:

• Integrated control strategies are essential, combining breeding for resistance, vaccine development, and non-vaccine approaches targeting microbial ecology.
• Reducing transmission, minimizing stressors, and enhancing host resistance through genetics or vaccines are key to managing these diseases.