DISTRIBUTION OF MELOPHAGUS OVINUS IN SHEEP IN THE KALININGRAD REGION

The study presents data on the distribution of the sheep ked Melophagus ovinus in sheep kept on private household farms of the Kaliningrad Region. The research was conducted in the Guryevsky, Polessky, Bagrationovsky, and Gvardeysky Districts. A total of 1,712 sheep were examined during the survey. Melophagus ovinus was detected in all studied districts, and infestation was recorded regardless of the territorial location of the farms, which indicates a wide distribution of melophagosis under conditions of small-scale sheep farming. Diagnosis of melophagosis was based on clinical examination during which the presence of the sheep ked in the wool was visually detected. The examination was carried out at several standard body sites (back, sides, neck, and chest) to identify both adult parasites and larvae and to assess the intensity of infestation. Species identification was performed using morphological characteristics and standard insect identification keys. The results confirm the widespread occurrence of melophagosis in sheep in the Kaliningrad Region and indicate the need for veterinary and preventive measures in the region, including private farms, regular monitoring and appropriate parasite control measures.