Definition: Mulesing is the practice of cutting off pieces of skin and flesh from the hindquarters of a domestic sheep in order to prevent flystrike. The resulting scar tissue is smoother and grows less wool than the wrinkled skin that was removed, and therefore is less likely to become dirty and attract flies. The practice is usually performed with the animal physically restrained and without anesthesia, and is common in the Australian wool industry.
Examples:
Mulesed sheep must be watched for signs of infection and flystrike while their wounds are healing.
