Isolation of Dermatophilus congolensis phage from the 'lumpy wool' of sheep in Western Australia.

A lytic phage with species-specific activity was isolated from wool samples infected with the actinomycete Dermatophilus congolensis, the agent of 'lumpy wool', collected from properties in Western Australia. The physiochemical properties, plaque morphology, host range and particle morphology of the phage isolated were characterized. The isolated phage reduced the cell numbers of Dermatophilus congolensis on infected wool samples in vitro. It may therefore have potential as a biocontrol agent of dermatophilosis.