The legs of the sheep ked are very strong and tipped with claws. Melophagus ovinus, or the sheep ked, is a brown, hairy fly that resembles a tick. In lambs, the sheep ked may cause anemia and reduce weight gain. Most modern treatments used to control sheep lice will also control sheep ked infestations. The sheep ked, "Melophagus ovinus", is a wingless, reddish-brown fly that parasitizes sheep.