SNAKEBITE IN SHEEP

Snakebite caused by Bothrops neuwiedi in sheep of southern Brazil is described. In a flock of 135 sheep, 22 were bitten and 11 died. Most cases occurred at the end of December and during January when the pastures were overgrazed due to severe drought. No more cases were observed after the end of January when abundant rainfall began. The main clinical signs were local edema followed by necrosis and sloughing of the skin.