CHILE.
SHEEP PROBLEMS.
There have been over 400 sheep farms isolated in Chile, due to the presence of melophagus ovinus , commonly known as sheep tick.
It all started when on a recent visit to the south of the country by Luis Schmidt, head of the countries most powerful farmers union, the National Agricultural Society, he found that 400 farms were under government quarantine.
This was bad in itself, however the fact that the government had no funds to fight the disease or compensate the farmers, was far worse.The government responded, by stating that only 54 farms were in fact sealed off and they were treating the problem.
The government went on to say, that while the farms must remain sealed off for a couple of years. This does not hinder lambs going for slaughter and the sale of wool.
The ticks can only live for 3-4 days, once the wool is taken off the host sheep.
The Ministry of Agriculture in Chile, says that they have invested US$5 million, in the treatment of two million sheep in the region.