Dagging or crutching is the cutting away of dirty, wet wool from around the tail and anus (crutch) of the sheep. The wet, dirty wool attracts flies especially the blow flies (bright green or blue in color). The flies lay their eggs on the wool and in one- or two-days’ maggots hatch from them. The maggots burrow into the skin and feed on the flesh of the sheep. The animal will be smelly, nervous, stamping its feet and wriggling its tail. Maggots must be removed from an infected sheep. Part the wool and look for the small holes where the maggots have entered the skin. Press all-round the hole with your fingers and the maggots will come out.
Dagging in sheep involves trimming soiled wool near the hindquarters, preventing maggots of different sizes from emerging. Clean the wound with tincture of iodine or gentian violet.
