[blackbelly] Blackbelly mastitis

[johnccarlton]

Rookie questions: How common of a problem is mastitis in BB sheep? One of mine ewes' bag seems swollen and upon inspection I found that a portion of the lower bag that was more firm (hard) as compared to the other ewes. She is still producing milk but I'm weaning her lambs this week so I can see if the swelling goes down. How much of a concern is this and, presuming the worst, what is the treatment?   I also noticed that where the bag joins the abdomen, on either side there is an almost hairless fold of skin in the shape of a hole (similar to a human navel). Some of these areas (adult and 4 month old lambs) were particularly dirty and I was even thinking that there may have been a "fly strike". Is this normal? I spent time cleaning the area just to be sure.   Lastly, any recommendations for good hoof trimming tools?   J. Carlton