The Merino breed appears to have appeared in Morocco following a genetic mutation. From there, already in Roman times, it spread to Spain, where it was raised exclusively by the nobility and clergy. This rigid monopoly was broken towards the end of the 18th century, following both donations of sheep by the Kings of Spain to other royals in Europe and exports to the colonies. The Merino thus spread rapidly to South America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, also interbreeding with local breeds. Currently, the main producers of Merino wool are Australia and New Zealand.
