8. sheep goat production.flock health

Sheep & Goat Sheep & Goat ProductionProduction

Flock HealthFlock Health

DiseasesDiseases

Cause death, loss of condition Cause death, loss of condition and poor utilization of feed.and poor utilization of feed.

Methods of sanitation and Methods of sanitation and disease control are essential disease control are essential when maintaining a flock.when maintaining a flock.

Diseases of LambsDiseases of Lambs Non-infectious Diseases of the newborn Non-infectious Diseases of the newborn

to three weeks of age lambs.to three weeks of age lambs. Infectious diseases of the newborn to Infectious diseases of the newborn to

three weeks of age lambs.three weeks of age lambs. Lamb diseases acquired after birth and Lamb diseases acquired after birth and

during the first few days of lifeduring the first few days of life Diseases of lambs from three weeks of Diseases of lambs from three weeks of

age to feedersage to feeders Respiratory diseases of lambsRespiratory diseases of lambs Diseases of feeder lambsDiseases of feeder lambs

Non-Infectious Diseases of the Non-Infectious Diseases of the Newborn to Three-Weeks-of-Age-Newborn to Three-Weeks-of-Age-

LambLamb

StarvationStarvation-The major cause of lamb deaths in almost -The major cause of lamb deaths in almost any type of management system.any type of management system.

Causes:Causes:– Lamb is born healthy but the ewe has no milk or Lamb is born healthy but the ewe has no milk or

teat canal is plugged.teat canal is plugged.– Lamb is born healthy, the ewe has milk, but will not Lamb is born healthy, the ewe has milk, but will not

allow the lamb to nurse. Common with twins, allow the lamb to nurse. Common with twins, triplets.triplets.

– Ewes may not have enough milk for twin lambs.Ewes may not have enough milk for twin lambs.– Ewes may develop mastitis, hard bag, contagious Ewes may develop mastitis, hard bag, contagious

ecthyma (soremouth), or injure her udder. These ecthyma (soremouth), or injure her udder. These conditions may decrease milk production or produce conditions may decrease milk production or produce pain, causing the ewe to prohibit the lamb from pain, causing the ewe to prohibit the lamb from nursing.nursing.

Secondary Starvation Secondary Starvation from Hypothermiafrom Hypothermia

The lamb is born healthy; however, due to cold The lamb is born healthy; however, due to cold or wet weather and the newborn’s inability to or wet weather and the newborn’s inability to control its body temperature, the lamb loses control its body temperature, the lamb loses body heat and becomes cold (Hypothermia)body heat and becomes cold (Hypothermia)

Clinical signsClinical signs::– WeakWeak– Losing condition or not gaining weightLosing condition or not gaining weight– Will not get up and nurseWill not get up and nurse– Feel cold to the touch, particularly inside the Feel cold to the touch, particularly inside the

mouth and a very weak or inexistent suck mouth and a very weak or inexistent suck reflex.reflex.

– A temperature under 100 degrees F indicates A temperature under 100 degrees F indicates HypothermiaHypothermia

Secondary Starvation Secondary Starvation from Hypothermiafrom Hypothermia

Treatment:Treatment:– Warm water bath or warm incubator made Warm water bath or warm incubator made

from a cardboard box and hairdryer. Do not from a cardboard box and hairdryer. Do not overheat.overheat.

– Monitor the temp. with a rectal Monitor the temp. with a rectal thermometer. When the temp. has reached thermometer. When the temp. has reached 101 degrees F, the lamb is warm enough.101 degrees F, the lamb is warm enough.

– Warm colostrum can be force fed via tube Warm colostrum can be force fed via tube or catheter (16”, 18 gauge) on a 60cc or catheter (16”, 18 gauge) on a 60cc syringe.syringe.

– 50 cc of a 10% Glucose solution inserted 50 cc of a 10% Glucose solution inserted under the skin of the rib cageunder the skin of the rib cage

– Milk replacer for older lambs.Milk replacer for older lambs.

Secondary Starvation Secondary Starvation from Hypothermiafrom Hypothermia

PreventionPrevention::– Take a rectal temp. of all lambs exposed to Take a rectal temp. of all lambs exposed to

cold or wet weather conditions.cold or wet weather conditions.– Check the udder and remove teat plugs by Check the udder and remove teat plugs by

milking a few drops of milk from both halves milking a few drops of milk from both halves of the udder at time of birth.of the udder at time of birth.

– Observe lambs closelyObserve lambs closely– Look for lambs who appear hungry or tucked Look for lambs who appear hungry or tucked

up.up.– Check both twins closely to ensure a mother is Check both twins closely to ensure a mother is

not unwilling to allow one of the twins to not unwilling to allow one of the twins to nurse. An unwilling mother may require that nurse. An unwilling mother may require that a lamb be grafted to another ewe or begin a lamb be grafted to another ewe or begin bottle feeding.bottle feeding.

– Observe lambs daily after leaving the lambing Observe lambs daily after leaving the lambing barn.barn.

TraumaTrauma

Broken ribs, broken backs, ruptured livers, Broken ribs, broken backs, ruptured livers, ruptured spleens and suffocation are common.ruptured spleens and suffocation are common.

Causes:Causes:– May occur during the birthing process when a May occur during the birthing process when a

large lamb is forcefully pulled.large lamb is forcefully pulled.– Impatient ewes may paw at their lambs to get Impatient ewes may paw at their lambs to get

them to rise earlythem to rise early– Lambing pens may be too small causing the Lambing pens may be too small causing the

ewe to step on or lie on the lamb.ewe to step on or lie on the lamb.– Lambs moved out of lambing pens with other Lambs moved out of lambing pens with other

ewes and lambs may try to suck from the ewes and lambs may try to suck from the wrong ewe and are injured by the offended wrong ewe and are injured by the offended ewe.ewe.

TraumaTrauma

PreventionPrevention::– Hobble ewes that paw at their lambsHobble ewes that paw at their lambs– Enlarge lambing pensEnlarge lambing pens– Shear ewes before lambing to reduce Shear ewes before lambing to reduce

the size of the ewe and pen required.the size of the ewe and pen required.– Allow sufficient time in the lambing Allow sufficient time in the lambing

pens for bonding before turning the pens for bonding before turning the ewe and her lamb(s) out with other ewe and her lamb(s) out with other ewes and lambs.ewes and lambs.

EntropionEntropion

A heritable trait in which the lower eyelid is A heritable trait in which the lower eyelid is inverted, causing the eyelashes of the lower lid to inverted, causing the eyelashes of the lower lid to brush against the eye. The constant irritation brush against the eye. The constant irritation results in profuse tearing, corneal ulceration, results in profuse tearing, corneal ulceration, scaring and blindness. Occurs in all breeds and scaring and blindness. Occurs in all breeds and sexes.sexes.

Clinical SignsClinical Signs::– Profuse tearing seen within the first few days of Profuse tearing seen within the first few days of

birth.birth.– If not seen within the first few days, the eye If not seen within the first few days, the eye

turns blue indicating a corneal ulcer.turns blue indicating a corneal ulcer.– If both eyes are affected, the lamb becomes If both eyes are affected, the lamb becomes

unable to see and its general condition begins to unable to see and its general condition begins to deteriorate.deteriorate.

EntropionEntropion

Treatment:Treatment:– Inject 1 ml of procaine penicillin under Inject 1 ml of procaine penicillin under

the skin of the lower lid causing a bleb, the skin of the lower lid causing a bleb, pushing the lid and lashes away from the pushing the lid and lashes away from the eye.eye.

– In cases of reoccurrence, surgery or In cases of reoccurrence, surgery or other approaches may be required. other approaches may be required. However, in most cases, the problem is However, in most cases, the problem is resolved.resolved.

Prevention:Prevention:– Entropion is a genetic trait and the Entropion is a genetic trait and the

responsible parent can be culled.responsible parent can be culled.

Infectious Diseases of the Infectious Diseases of the Newborn to Three-Weeks-of-Age Newborn to Three-Weeks-of-Age

LambLamb These diseases affect the lamb during its These diseases affect the lamb during its

development in the uterus and include:development in the uterus and include:– ToxoplasmosisToxoplasmosis– Brucella ovisBrucella ovis– Border Disease (Hairy Shakers)Border Disease (Hairy Shakers)

ToxoplasmosisToxoplasmosis Cause:Cause:

– Caused by a small coccidia-like Caused by a small coccidia-like organism which infects the organism which infects the intestinal tract of young cats.intestinal tract of young cats.

– Sheep ingest feed contaminated Sheep ingest feed contaminated with the feces of domestic, feral or with the feces of domestic, feral or wild cat species during pregnancy.wild cat species during pregnancy.

– Organisms migrate to the placenta Organisms migrate to the placenta and fetus, causing death and and fetus, causing death and expulsion of the fetus.expulsion of the fetus.

Brucella ovisBrucella ovis Cause:Cause:

– Infection of the breeding rams which Infection of the breeding rams which may cause 1-5% of lambs to be may cause 1-5% of lambs to be stillborn or weak.stillborn or weak.

– These lambs usually die, but if they do These lambs usually die, but if they do survive, grow up to be normalsurvive, grow up to be normal

– This disease is more common in This disease is more common in western range flocks using multiple western range flocks using multiple sire systems and that maintain a large sire systems and that maintain a large number of rams in a group.number of rams in a group.

Border Disease Border Disease Also known as Hairy ShakersAlso known as Hairy Shakers Disease was first recognized in the United KingdomDisease was first recognized in the United Kingdom Cause:Cause:

– Caused by a virus closely related to the bovine viral Caused by a virus closely related to the bovine viral diarrhea agentdiarrhea agent

– Disease does not seem to cause clinical disease unless Disease does not seem to cause clinical disease unless infected in utero (generally does not cause abortions)infected in utero (generally does not cause abortions)

– The term Hair Shaker describes the condition of the The term Hair Shaker describes the condition of the newborn lambs as they have a hairy coat and possess a newborn lambs as they have a hairy coat and possess a nervous condition causing uncontrolled shaking.nervous condition causing uncontrolled shaking.

– Incidence of the disease probably depends on prior Incidence of the disease probably depends on prior exposure to the virus.exposure to the virus.» If virus has recently been introduced and ewes are If virus has recently been introduced and ewes are

within the first 60 days of pregnancy, losses may be 10-within the first 60 days of pregnancy, losses may be 10-20%.20%.

» Flocks which have experienced the disease usually only Flocks which have experienced the disease usually only experience a 1-2% loss.experience a 1-2% loss.

Border DiseaseBorder Disease Clinical SignsClinical Signs::

– Depending on the time of pregnancy, early Depending on the time of pregnancy, early embryonic deaths may be seen (open embryonic deaths may be seen (open ewes) Small, live, underdeveloped lambs, ewes) Small, live, underdeveloped lambs, or hairy shaker lambs, normal lambs which or hairy shaker lambs, normal lambs which are immunodeficient, or a combination of are immunodeficient, or a combination of the above.the above.

– All are usually born aliveAll are usually born alive– Can be saved with special care, with the Can be saved with special care, with the

exception of the Hairy Shaker lambs whose exception of the Hairy Shaker lambs whose central nervous system is irreversibly central nervous system is irreversibly affected. affected.

– However, survivors usually do not do well However, survivors usually do not do well or live to breeding age.or live to breeding age.

Border DiseaseBorder Disease Treatment & PreventionTreatment & Prevention::

1. Separate breeding ewes from cattle1. Separate breeding ewes from cattle2. Eliminate affected lambs and their 2. Eliminate affected lambs and their placentas from herd access and isolate placentas from herd access and isolate affected ewes until genital discharges affected ewes until genital discharges cease.cease.3. Eliminate affected ewes that have 3. Eliminate affected ewes that have produced infected offspring more than produced infected offspring more than once.once.4. Consider a vaccination program with 4. Consider a vaccination program with a killed bovine virus diarrhea vaccine in a killed bovine virus diarrhea vaccine in flocks suffering annual border disease flocks suffering annual border disease outbreaks.outbreaks.

Lamb Diseases Acquired Lamb Diseases Acquired After Birth and During The After Birth and During The

First Few Days of LifeFirst Few Days of Life Navel illNavel ill Pastuerella hemolyticaPastuerella hemolytica Erysipelas (Joint ill)Erysipelas (Joint ill) ColostrumColostrum E. coli scoursE. coli scours Enterotoxemia type CEnterotoxemia type C Tetanus (Lockjaw)Tetanus (Lockjaw) SoremouthSoremouth

Diseases of Lambs Diseases of Lambs From Three-Weeks-of-From Three-Weeks-of-

Age to FeedersAge to Feeders

Enterotoxemia type DEnterotoxemia type D PolyarthritisPolyarthritis White Muscle Disease White Muscle Disease

Respiratory Diseases of Respiratory Diseases of LambsLambs

Causes and Disease ProcessCauses and Disease Process::– Bacteria, Chlamydia, mucoplasma, parasites, Bacteria, Chlamydia, mucoplasma, parasites,

viruses and combinations of any of these.viruses and combinations of any of these.– Can be harbored by healthy sheep without Can be harbored by healthy sheep without

showing clinical signsshowing clinical signs– Occurs when sheep’s resistance and infectious Occurs when sheep’s resistance and infectious

agents are interfered with. Lowered resistance is agents are interfered with. Lowered resistance is often due to management.often due to management.

– Dust, high ammonia concentration, nutrient Dust, high ammonia concentration, nutrient deficiency, crowding can all affect resistance.deficiency, crowding can all affect resistance.

Clinical Signs:Clinical Signs:– Severe depression, labored breathing, rapid Severe depression, labored breathing, rapid

death, coughing, appetite reduction, more labored death, coughing, appetite reduction, more labored breathing during excercise.breathing during excercise.

Diseases of Feeder Diseases of Feeder LambsLambs

Acidosis (grain overload, founder, Ketosis)Acidosis (grain overload, founder, Ketosis) PolioPolio Enterotoxemia of Fattening LambsEnterotoxemia of Fattening Lambs SalmonellosisSalmonellosis PneumoniaPneumonia Rectal ProlapseRectal Prolapse Internal ParasitesInternal Parasites CoccidiosisCoccidiosis Copper PoisioningCopper Poisioning Urolithiasis (Water Belly, Calculosis)Urolithiasis (Water Belly, Calculosis)

AcidosisAcidosis Grain overload or founder.Grain overload or founder. Commonly occurs in feeder lambs changed Commonly occurs in feeder lambs changed

from a roughage diet to one of from a roughage diet to one of concentrates. concentrates.

Caused by lambs engorging during a Caused by lambs engorging during a feeding, causing an overload of feeding, causing an overload of concentrates.concentrates.

Clinical signs:Clinical signs:– DepressionDepression– RecumbencyRecumbency– ComatoseComatose– Dead lambsDead lambs

(Diagnosis is determined by a necropsy which (Diagnosis is determined by a necropsy which examines the rumen for concentrates and testing examines the rumen for concentrates and testing the contents for an acid pH.)the contents for an acid pH.)

PolioPolio Polioencephalomalcia (PEM) Forage PoisoningPolioencephalomalcia (PEM) Forage Poisoning A disease of the central nervous system and is not of A disease of the central nervous system and is not of

major importance to the overall sheep industry although major importance to the overall sheep industry although it can cause individual or flock problems. The usual it can cause individual or flock problems. The usual occurrence is in feeder lambs on high concentrate diets occurrence is in feeder lambs on high concentrate diets or, it happens on forages but not necessarily poisonous or, it happens on forages but not necessarily poisonous forages.forages.

Clinical Signs:Clinical Signs:– BlindnessBlindness– Follows behindFollows behind– Staggers and appears disoriented and occasionally stares at Staggers and appears disoriented and occasionally stares at

the skythe sky– Eventually animal is unable to rise, becomes comatose and Eventually animal is unable to rise, becomes comatose and

dies in convulsionsdies in convulsions– Animal may appear dehydrated and empty due to its inability Animal may appear dehydrated and empty due to its inability

to eat or drink.to eat or drink.

Treat early with Thiamine hydrochloride I.V. and I.M.Treat early with Thiamine hydrochloride I.V. and I.M.

Enterotoxemia of Enterotoxemia of Fattening LambsFattening Lambs

Overeating disease, Pulpy Kidney diseaseOvereating disease, Pulpy Kidney disease Condition that contributes to loss as much as any Condition that contributes to loss as much as any

other disease entity. Often appears in countries other disease entity. Often appears in countries where concentrate feeding is practiced. A disease of where concentrate feeding is practiced. A disease of high performing animals. Caused by a toxin produced high performing animals. Caused by a toxin produced by bacteria Clostridium perfringes type C or D. by bacteria Clostridium perfringes type C or D.

The type C toxin is responsible for the condition The type C toxin is responsible for the condition known as hemorrhagic enterotoxemia. Occurs in known as hemorrhagic enterotoxemia. Occurs in young lambs.young lambs.

The type D toxin is responsible for the enterotoxemia The type D toxin is responsible for the enterotoxemia causing sudden death. Occurs in young lambs.causing sudden death. Occurs in young lambs.

Prevented by vaccination at 4 weeks of age with Prevented by vaccination at 4 weeks of age with C.perfringes C & D toxoid administered twice about 2 C.perfringes C & D toxoid administered twice about 2 weeks apart. The second shot should be given approx. weeks apart. The second shot should be given approx. 2 weeks prior to changing to a concentration ration.2 weeks prior to changing to a concentration ration.

SalmonellosisSalmonellosis Paratyphoid dysenteryParatyphoid dysentery Characterized by gastroenteritis, diarrhea, Characterized by gastroenteritis, diarrhea,

septicemia and death. Death rates are usually septicemia and death. Death rates are usually high. The disease is often associated with the high. The disease is often associated with the stress of weaning, shipping, interruption of stress of weaning, shipping, interruption of feed intake, crowded pens and contamination feed intake, crowded pens and contamination of feed by a few animals shedding the of feed by a few animals shedding the organism.organism.

Treatment and preventionTreatment and prevention: Obtain a culture : Obtain a culture and sensitivity to determine an effective and sensitivity to determine an effective antibiotic, provide electrolytes, fresh feed and antibiotic, provide electrolytes, fresh feed and water. Avoid stressful conditions, long periods water. Avoid stressful conditions, long periods of transport without proper feed, rest and of transport without proper feed, rest and water, as well as unsanitary feeding conditions.water, as well as unsanitary feeding conditions.

PneumoniaPneumonia

Caused by any of several organisms, Caused by any of several organisms, particularly particularly PasteurellaPasteurella

Stress such as changes in the weather or Stress such as changes in the weather or feeding schedulefeeding schedule

Proper management is important in Proper management is important in reducing pneumonia occurrencesreducing pneumonia occurrences

Pneumonia Pneumonia Management AidsManagement Aids

Add sulfamethazine to drinking water of pregnant Add sulfamethazine to drinking water of pregnant ewes 2 weeks prior to lambingewes 2 weeks prior to lambing

Mix one pound of 100% sulfamethazine with 1 gal. Mix one pound of 100% sulfamethazine with 1 gal. water for stock solution. Then, 1 oz. (30 cc) is mixed water for stock solution. Then, 1 oz. (30 cc) is mixed with each gal. of water according to the following with each gal. of water according to the following schedule: schedule:

DaysDays TreatmentTreatment 1-51-5 Medicated H2OMedicated H2O 6-76-7 Regular H2ORegular H2O 8-98-9 Medicated H2OMedicated H2O 10-1110-11 Regular H2ORegular H2O 12-1312-13 Medicated H2OMedicated H2O

Can be administered to weaned lambs for a Can be administered to weaned lambs for a

continuous 3-5 day period to control pneumoniacontinuous 3-5 day period to control pneumonia

Rectal ProlapseRectal Prolapse

Associated with high concentrate feeding, Associated with high concentrate feeding, short docking and coughing caused by dusty short docking and coughing caused by dusty conditions or virus infections.conditions or virus infections.

If unattended, the prolapsed rectum will If unattended, the prolapsed rectum will become swollen, inflamed and covered with become swollen, inflamed and covered with crusted blood, fibrin and feces.crusted blood, fibrin and feces.

One method of treatment is to thoroughly One method of treatment is to thoroughly clean the rectum with a warm water enema clean the rectum with a warm water enema and apply an elastrator band near the anal and apply an elastrator band near the anal sphincter. A piece of tubing can be inserted sphincter. A piece of tubing can be inserted to keep the tract open until the protruding to keep the tract open until the protruding rectum sloughs.rectum sloughs.

Administering a tetanus antitoxin is advisedAdministering a tetanus antitoxin is advised..

CoccidiosisCoccidiosis Hemorrhagic diarrhea, Coccidial dysenteryHemorrhagic diarrhea, Coccidial dysentery Disease is characterized by diarrhea, Disease is characterized by diarrhea,

dehydration, weight loss, and weakness with a dehydration, weight loss, and weakness with a morbidity of up to 50% and a mortality of up to morbidity of up to 50% and a mortality of up to 10%10%

Occurs in the early stages of the feeding Occurs in the early stages of the feeding program, damage to the lower intestinal tract program, damage to the lower intestinal tract causes softening of the feces which eventually causes softening of the feces which eventually becomes a fluid containing blood. Lamb goes off becomes a fluid containing blood. Lamb goes off feed, dehydrates, becomes weak, goes down and feed, dehydrates, becomes weak, goes down and is unable to rise. May result in rectal prolapse.is unable to rise. May result in rectal prolapse.

Treatment: Treatment: Separate sick animals and treat with Separate sick animals and treat with electrolytes and sulfonamides. The remainder of electrolytes and sulfonamides. The remainder of the group should be placed on sulfas and the group should be placed on sulfas and electrolytes in the water. Coccidiostats are also electrolytes in the water. Coccidiostats are also available for sheep to aid in prevention. available for sheep to aid in prevention.

Copper PoisoningCopper Poisoning Often results from feeding improperly formulated mineral Often results from feeding improperly formulated mineral

mixes. Cu is closely related to Molybdenum & toxicity mixes. Cu is closely related to Molybdenum & toxicity usually occurs when the dietary ratio of copper to usually occurs when the dietary ratio of copper to Molybdenum increases above 6-10:1. Molybdenum increases above 6-10:1.

Sheep are 10 times more susceptible to copper toxicity than Sheep are 10 times more susceptible to copper toxicity than cattle.cattle.

Cause:Cause: When consumed over a long period of time, When consumed over a long period of time, excessive copper is stored in the liver. When a toxic level is excessive copper is stored in the liver. When a toxic level is reached, the destruction of red blood cells occurs.reached, the destruction of red blood cells occurs.

Clinical SignsClinical Signs: Acute hemolytic crises (destruction of RBC’s), : Acute hemolytic crises (destruction of RBC’s), death within 24-48 hrs. of first signs. Animal goes off feed & death within 24-48 hrs. of first signs. Animal goes off feed & becomes weak. Hemoglobin in the urine gives it a dark red-becomes weak. Hemoglobin in the urine gives it a dark red-brown coloration.brown coloration.

Treatment & PreventionTreatment & Prevention: If developed, locate the source and : If developed, locate the source and remove immediately. Avoid stressful conditions. Consult remove immediately. Avoid stressful conditions. Consult with your veterinarian to develop a regime for treatment with your veterinarian to develop a regime for treatment and prevention. and prevention.

UrolithiasisUrolithiasis Water Belly, CalculosisWater Belly, Calculosis A metabolic disease in male sheep characterized by the A metabolic disease in male sheep characterized by the

formation of calculi (stones) within the urinary tract. formation of calculi (stones) within the urinary tract. Blockage of the urethra by calculi causes retention of Blockage of the urethra by calculi causes retention of urine, abdominal pain, distention, and rupture of the urine, abdominal pain, distention, and rupture of the urethra or bladder and death from uremia or secondary urethra or bladder and death from uremia or secondary septicemia.septicemia.

Cause:Cause: Most common cases are seen in feeder lambs Most common cases are seen in feeder lambs who are on a high phosphorus ration or a nearly 1:1 who are on a high phosphorus ration or a nearly 1:1 calcium to phosphorus ratio. Early castration alters calcium to phosphorus ratio. Early castration alters the development of the penis and urethra. As calculi the development of the penis and urethra. As calculi form, some may pass, irritating the urethra lining form, some may pass, irritating the urethra lining causing inflammation & muscle spasms, restricting the causing inflammation & muscle spasms, restricting the tract and causing others to lodge. Obstruction by tract and causing others to lodge. Obstruction by calculi usually occurs at the urethral process or the calculi usually occurs at the urethral process or the sigmoid flexure.sigmoid flexure.

UrolithiasisUrolithiasis Clinical signsClinical signs: :

Inability to pass urine causing abdominal discomfort Inability to pass urine causing abdominal discomfort and colic, restlessness, straining, kicking at the belly, and colic, restlessness, straining, kicking at the belly, stretching and frequent attempts to urinate, dribbling, stretching and frequent attempts to urinate, dribbling, frequent getting up and lying down, isolation from the frequent getting up and lying down, isolation from the flock, refusal to eat, and death.flock, refusal to eat, and death.

DiagnosisDiagnosis: : Easily diagnosed by the clinical signs. Examination of Easily diagnosed by the clinical signs. Examination of the urethral process or palpation of the sigmoid flexure the urethral process or palpation of the sigmoid flexure may identify the calculusmay identify the calculus

TreatmentTreatment::If the calculus is located in the urethral process, snip off If the calculus is located in the urethral process, snip off the process with scissors.the process with scissors.If discovered prior to complete obstruction, take animal If discovered prior to complete obstruction, take animal off feed for 24 hours and administer ammonium chloride off feed for 24 hours and administer ammonium chloride (7-10 mg per head per day for a 30 kg lamb) orally to (7-10 mg per head per day for a 30 kg lamb) orally to possibly dissolve the calculi.possibly dissolve the calculi.

UrolithiasisUrolithiasis

PreventionPrevention::– Provide a 2:1 Calcium to Phosphorus ratio in the Provide a 2:1 Calcium to Phosphorus ratio in the

ration. Calcium chloride is more effective than ration. Calcium chloride is more effective than ground limestone.ground limestone.

– Provide additional common salt (1-4%) to Provide additional common salt (1-4%) to increase water intake, decreasing stone increase water intake, decreasing stone formation. (Salt blocks are beneficial)formation. (Salt blocks are beneficial)

– Provide plenty of clean, warm waterProvide plenty of clean, warm water– Provide ammonium chloride (2% of the Provide ammonium chloride (2% of the

concentrate ration) to aid in prevention. Be concentrate ration) to aid in prevention. Be aware that Ammonium chloride may cause aware that Ammonium chloride may cause coughing which may lead to rectal prolapsing.coughing which may lead to rectal prolapsing.

– Provide a well balanced diet which includes Provide a well balanced diet which includes adequate amounts of Vitamin A.adequate amounts of Vitamin A.

Diseases of EwesDiseases of Ewes

Open EwesOpen Ewes Pregnant EwesPregnant Ewes Lactating EwesLactating Ewes

Open EwesOpen Ewes

No diseases occur exclusively in open No diseases occur exclusively in open ewes.ewes.

Open ewes should be examined prior Open ewes should be examined prior to breeding for soundness, broken to breeding for soundness, broken mouths, bad udders, bad feet or legs, mouths, bad udders, bad feet or legs, extreme emaciation, and other extreme emaciation, and other features which would inhibit their features which would inhibit their reproductive capabilities or efficiency.reproductive capabilities or efficiency.

Mastitis may affect ewes shortly after Mastitis may affect ewes shortly after weaning lambs.weaning lambs.

Pregnant EwesPregnant Ewes

Abortion DiseasesAbortion Diseases

Diseases which affect the lamb in the Diseases which affect the lamb in the uterus prior to birth. Some cause the uterus prior to birth. Some cause the fetus to be expelled prematurely, and in fetus to be expelled prematurely, and in some cases the birth time interrupts the some cases the birth time interrupts the normal course of the disease and the normal course of the disease and the infected lamb is born alive.infected lamb is born alive.

General DiseasesGeneral Diseases

Foot Rot Foot Rot BluetongueBluetongue PinkeyePinkeye ScrapieScrapie

BluetongueBluetongue A viral disease capable of producing severe clinical signs A viral disease capable of producing severe clinical signs

in sheep. in sheep. Cause & Disease ProcessCause & Disease Process: Transmitted to sheep by : Transmitted to sheep by

infected biting “no-see-ums”, a night flying insect found infected biting “no-see-ums”, a night flying insect found throughout the U.S. during warm weather. Occurs throughout the U.S. during warm weather. Occurs seasonally during the summer months. Rams which are seasonally during the summer months. Rams which are affected become temporarily sterile (60 days) and result in affected become temporarily sterile (60 days) and result in a reduced or delayed lambing rate.a reduced or delayed lambing rate.

Clinical SignsClinical Signs: Increased temperature, skin around the lip, : Increased temperature, skin around the lip, muzzle, eyes, and ears may become reddened and within a muzzle, eyes, and ears may become reddened and within a day or two, swollen lips, swollen & droopy ears as well as day or two, swollen lips, swollen & droopy ears as well as swelling beneath the jaw may be observed. Eventually, swelling beneath the jaw may be observed. Eventually, lameness may become evident, ulcers may appear on the lameness may become evident, ulcers may appear on the dental pad and tongue, appetite loss and refusal to eat or dental pad and tongue, appetite loss and refusal to eat or drink may also occur causing weight loss. Usually recover drink may also occur causing weight loss. Usually recover and return to normal condition in 6 weeks.and return to normal condition in 6 weeks.

BluetongueBluetongue Diagnosis:Diagnosis:

– EpidemiologyEpidemiology– Clinical signsClinical signs– Lesions associated with Lesions associated with

the diseasethe disease– Serological testsSerological tests

Prevention:Prevention: Routine repeated Routine repeated

spraying of the flock spraying of the flock with insecticides during with insecticides during bluetongue season. bluetongue season. House sheep at night in House sheep at night in unlighted barns every unlighted barns every night 30 min. before night 30 min. before sunset and until 30 sunset and until 30 min. after sunrise.min. after sunrise.

TreatmentTreatment::– Provide food, water Provide food, water

and shade for the flockand shade for the flock– Affected sheep should Affected sheep should

regain appetite in ~1 regain appetite in ~1 weekweek

– Avoid intensive Avoid intensive handling and handling and treatment of the entire treatment of the entire flockflock

– Best treatment is to Best treatment is to postpone all postpone all unnecessary unnecessary management practices management practices that may disturb the that may disturb the flock.flock.

PinkeyePinkeye Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis (IKC)Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) A highly contagious disease affecting the eyes of sheep A highly contagious disease affecting the eyes of sheep

and goats. May occur at any time of the year. Usually and goats. May occur at any time of the year. Usually occur following the irritation of eyes due to dusty occur following the irritation of eyes due to dusty conditions, hauling in open trucks, wind exposure and conditions, hauling in open trucks, wind exposure and introduction of new animals into a flock.introduction of new animals into a flock.

CauseCause: May result from infective agents such as : May result from infective agents such as Chlamydia, certain viruses, rickettsea, Chlamydia, certain viruses, rickettsea, Neisseria ovisNeisseria ovis, and , and acholeplasma.acholeplasma.

Clinical SignsClinical Signs: Excessive tearing, animal tries to avoid : Excessive tearing, animal tries to avoid bright light by turning away, blinking, and squinting bright light by turning away, blinking, and squinting excessively. Tears become thickened, yellowish, and form excessively. Tears become thickened, yellowish, and form crusts on the hairs of the eyelid. An opaque area may crusts on the hairs of the eyelid. An opaque area may form on the cornea, causing impaired vision and blindness.form on the cornea, causing impaired vision and blindness.

TreatmentTreatment: Provide food, water, and shade. An opthalmic : Provide food, water, and shade. An opthalmic ointment with an antibiotic can be applied to the eye, but ointment with an antibiotic can be applied to the eye, but it is necessary to do so on a daily basis since the tears can it is necessary to do so on a daily basis since the tears can dilute the medication.dilute the medication.

ScrapieScrapie A disease of the central nervous system of A disease of the central nervous system of

sheep and goats. It is a slowly progressive sheep and goats. It is a slowly progressive disease becoming apparent in sheep one year of disease becoming apparent in sheep one year of age or older.age or older.

Requires quarantine measures with attempts Requires quarantine measures with attempts made for eradication.made for eradication.

Certain breeds of sheep are more susceptible Certain breeds of sheep are more susceptible than others, but all breeds can be than others, but all breeds can be experimentally infected.experimentally infected.

Cause and Disease ProcessCause and Disease Process: The scrapie agent : The scrapie agent is infectious, much smaller and more resistant is infectious, much smaller and more resistant to conditions that are normally lethal for to conditions that are normally lethal for viruses. Genetic composition of the host animal viruses. Genetic composition of the host animal is important in determining susceptability.is important in determining susceptability.

ScrapieScrapie

Clinical SignsClinical Signs: Rubbing against objects as if : Rubbing against objects as if itching, wool rubbed off of side, back or itching, wool rubbed off of side, back or rump, biting and nibbling at skin and wool, rump, biting and nibbling at skin and wool, incoordination, and may experience incoordination, and may experience convulsions.convulsions.

Death ultimately occurs in all cases.Death ultimately occurs in all cases. Treatment:Treatment: None None PreventionPrevention: Quarantine of infected premises : Quarantine of infected premises

and slaughter of affected and contact sheep and slaughter of affected and contact sheep will be required by the state veterinarian. will be required by the state veterinarian. Genetic testing of ewes and rams when Genetic testing of ewes and rams when purchasing may help with control.purchasing may help with control.

Parasitic DiseasesParasitic Diseases

HaemonchosisHaemonchosis Gastrointestinal Gastrointestinal

RoundwormsRoundworms TapewormsTapeworms CysticercosisCysticercosis HydatidosisHydatidosis Liver FlukesLiver Flukes CoccidiosisCoccidiosis CryptosporidiosisCryptosporidiosis

ToxoplasmosisToxoplasmosis SarcocystosisSarcocystosis

HaemonchosisHaemonchosis

Haemonchosis contortus, Haemonchosis contortus, the barber-pole the barber-pole worm-A tiny nematode approx. 1 inch long with worm-A tiny nematode approx. 1 inch long with a red belly. Feed on the lining of the a red belly. Feed on the lining of the abomasum actively feeding on blood resulting abomasum actively feeding on blood resulting in the red gut and produce anemia.in the red gut and produce anemia.

SymptomsSymptoms::– Following period of late summer rains and Following period of late summer rains and

lush green grass, a few lambs may show lush green grass, a few lambs may show signs of weakness, some may fall to the signs of weakness, some may fall to the ground with tremors or convulsions.ground with tremors or convulsions.

– In early cases no scours or edema occurs but In early cases no scours or edema occurs but mucous membranes are pale and death mucous membranes are pale and death usually occurs.usually occurs.

HaemonchosisHaemonchosis Disease Process:

– Ingestion of larvae which hatched from eggs on pasture

– Eggs are passed by sheep contaminating the pasture. Survival of larvae is enhanced by warmth and moisture.

– Clinical signs are seen within one week after ingestion of larvae

– Lambs having less previous exposure have a higher risk as well as ewes preparing for fall lambing, nutritionally weakened, or aged may also be at risk.

– Those not showing acute signs will be chronically infected, scouring and edematous, and become carriers.

Treatment/Prevention:Worming and pasture rotation. Seek advice from your veterinarian about an effective program.

Gastrointestinal Gastrointestinal RoundwormsRoundworms

Clinical Signs:Clinical Signs: Scouring, loss of fleece condition, poor Scouring, loss of fleece condition, poor

weight gain or maintenance indicate effects of weight gain or maintenance indicate effects of gastrointestinal parasitism due to irritation of gastrointestinal parasitism due to irritation of gut lining, possible hemorrhage, competition gut lining, possible hemorrhage, competition for nutrients and interference with digestion for nutrients and interference with digestion and water transport. Death may occur with and water transport. Death may occur with continuing loss of condition.continuing loss of condition.

Diagnosis:Diagnosis:Clinical signs, seasonal performance, and fecal Clinical signs, seasonal performance, and fecal examination may expose the appearance of examination may expose the appearance of eggs or even worms of ½ to 2” in length at eggs or even worms of ½ to 2” in length at postmortem examination.postmortem examination.

TapewormsTapeworms

Tapeworms are long, ribbonlike, Tapeworms are long, ribbonlike, segmented flatworms which can be 1-2’ segmented flatworms which can be 1-2’ in length. Head is spherical w/4 muscular in length. Head is spherical w/4 muscular suckers and is called a scolex. The scolex suckers and is called a scolex. The scolex attaches to the small intestinal lining but attaches to the small intestinal lining but causes no damage or pathology. They causes no damage or pathology. They are carried by free-living mites on grass. are carried by free-living mites on grass.

Appearance of segmented worms Appearance of segmented worms hanging from the anus or on fecal pellets hanging from the anus or on fecal pellets resembles infestation.resembles infestation.

There is no prevention method. Consult There is no prevention method. Consult your veterinarian for treatment.your veterinarian for treatment.

CysticercosisCysticercosis

A larval form of a tapeworm has encysted or A larval form of a tapeworm has encysted or embedded itself in the tissue of its host. In embedded itself in the tissue of its host. In Cysticercosis, sheep are the intermediate host Cysticercosis, sheep are the intermediate host where the parasite is found embedded within where the parasite is found embedded within the sheep’s tissue or muscles. Evidence is the sheep’s tissue or muscles. Evidence is usually not seen until the animal is butchered usually not seen until the animal is butchered causing condemnation of the carcass.causing condemnation of the carcass.

The mature worm is commonly found in the The mature worm is commonly found in the dog, passed through feces and is picked up via dog, passed through feces and is picked up via contaminated feed.contaminated feed.

Another cause of Cysticercosis, Another cause of Cysticercosis, Echinococcus Echinococcus granulosus, granulosus, usually encysts the the liver or usually encysts the the liver or brain of the sheep rather than the muscle. It is brain of the sheep rather than the muscle. It is also carried by the dog, wolf, coyote, fox, etc.also carried by the dog, wolf, coyote, fox, etc.

HydatidosisHydatidosis

Hydatid cysts may be found in the body Hydatid cysts may be found in the body cavities of sheep, especially abdominal cavities cavities of sheep, especially abdominal cavities of ewes.of ewes.

Baseball to softball sized, fluid filled, and Baseball to softball sized, fluid filled, and contain many white dots. This cyst represents contain many white dots. This cyst represents the intermediate or larval stage of a dog the intermediate or larval stage of a dog tapeworm. Little pathology occurs, but the tapeworm. Little pathology occurs, but the growth of the cyst presses on surrounding growth of the cyst presses on surrounding organs, pushing them aside. Cysts not found organs, pushing them aside. Cysts not found until slaughter.until slaughter.

Treatment/PreventionTreatment/Prevention- No treatment for sheep. - No treatment for sheep. Deworm dogs annually. Do not feed sheep Deworm dogs annually. Do not feed sheep scraps to dogs and pickup sheep carcasses.scraps to dogs and pickup sheep carcasses.

Liver FlukesLiver Flukes Small, leaf-shaped organisms that roll up like a scroll Small, leaf-shaped organisms that roll up like a scroll

in the bile ducts or parenchyma (liver tissue).in the bile ducts or parenchyma (liver tissue). Two TypesTwo Types::

Fasciola--the sheep liver flukeFascioloides--the deer fluke These usually occur in different geographical areas and These usually occur in different geographical areas and

have different pathologic effects on sheep.have different pathologic effects on sheep.

Pathologically, cause damage to the liver as immature Pathologically, cause damage to the liver as immature flukes migrate to the bile ducts. Heavy infection causes flukes migrate to the bile ducts. Heavy infection causes severe liver damage, profuse hemorrhage, much of severe liver damage, profuse hemorrhage, much of which into the body cavity during the 2 months of which into the body cavity during the 2 months of migration.migration.

Affected animals appear suddenly distressed, collapse and Affected animals appear suddenly distressed, collapse and die.die.

Treatment/PreventionTreatment/Prevention::There is no approved flukecide for sheep. Only prevention There is no approved flukecide for sheep. Only prevention

measures should be followed. Keep sheep away from measures should be followed. Keep sheep away from irrigated pastures or on higher ground.irrigated pastures or on higher ground.

CoccidiosisCoccidiosis

A major cause of poor feed efficiency and A major cause of poor feed efficiency and economic loss to the sheep producer.economic loss to the sheep producer.

Transmission occurs when an oocyst (egg-like Transmission occurs when an oocyst (egg-like stage) is picked up while grazing or drinking. stage) is picked up while grazing or drinking.

When it reaches the intestines, proliferation When it reaches the intestines, proliferation occurs causing ulcerative lesions impeding occurs causing ulcerative lesions impeding absorption and normal gut motility. May also absorption and normal gut motility. May also cause alternating constipation and scouring. cause alternating constipation and scouring. Some hemorrhage may occur, but usually Some hemorrhage may occur, but usually little. Scouring is usually mucoid, and may little. Scouring is usually mucoid, and may cause permanent loss of feed efficiency.cause permanent loss of feed efficiency.

Coccidia are opportunistic parasites having Coccidia are opportunistic parasites having their greatest disease effect during times of their greatest disease effect during times of stress.stress.

CryptosporidiosisCryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidium proliferates in the small intestine Cryptosporidium proliferates in the small intestine and possibly the cecum.and possibly the cecum.

Affects all mammals and can transmit from one Affects all mammals and can transmit from one host species to another. i.e. lambs to humanshost species to another. i.e. lambs to humans

Its susceptible targets include the very young or Its susceptible targets include the very young or older animals which have not been previously older animals which have not been previously infected.infected.

It resides on the surface of the gut and It resides on the surface of the gut and proliferates rather than within the cells lining the proliferates rather than within the cells lining the gut. It interferes with water transport.gut. It interferes with water transport.

Clinical SignsClinical Signs: yellowish, watery scours and rapid : yellowish, watery scours and rapid dehydration.dehydration.

Treatment/PreventionTreatment/Prevention: No treatment or : No treatment or prevention measures.prevention measures.

ToxoplasmosisToxoplasmosis

Toxoplasma is another coccidian, found in the Toxoplasma is another coccidian, found in the gut of young cats which contaminate hay, gut of young cats which contaminate hay, other feedstuffs and possibly grass in small other feedstuffs and possibly grass in small lots.lots.

In sheep and humans, this organism infects In sheep and humans, this organism infects the lining of blood vessels and the tissues of the lining of blood vessels and the tissues of all organs in which it proliferates.all organs in which it proliferates.

Sheep are infected by ingestion of oocysts or Sheep are infected by ingestion of oocysts or by transmission of organisms from dam to the by transmission of organisms from dam to the fetus.fetus.

Cause destruction of tissue by pressure Cause destruction of tissue by pressure produced by masses of organisms.produced by masses of organisms.

A major problem with abortions.A major problem with abortions.

SarcocystosisSarcocystosis

Sarcocystis is a coccidian developing in Sarcocystis is a coccidian developing in the gut of dogs and cats and is the gut of dogs and cats and is transmitted to sheep while grazing. transmitted to sheep while grazing. Causes damage to blood vessels and Causes damage to blood vessels and muscle. Dogs and cats become infected muscle. Dogs and cats become infected by eating sheep scraps.by eating sheep scraps.

Clinical SignsClinical Signs: Weakness, fever, anemia, : Weakness, fever, anemia, loss of weight and reproductivity. loss of weight and reproductivity. Abortion not proved. Proliferative masses Abortion not proved. Proliferative masses are seen as “white streaks” in muscle.are seen as “white streaks” in muscle.

External ParasitesExternal Parasites

Fly StrikeFly Strike BotsBots KedsKeds Mange MitesMange Mites TicksTicks

Fly StrikeFly Strike Occurs when flies are attracted to soiled wool, opened Occurs when flies are attracted to soiled wool, opened

wounds, and dying (necrotic) tissue. Blowflies may wounds, and dying (necrotic) tissue. Blowflies may deposit eggs which hatch almost immediately, the deposit eggs which hatch almost immediately, the larvae feast on tissue fluids and necrotic tissue larvae feast on tissue fluids and necrotic tissue resulting in myiasis (maggot infestation)resulting in myiasis (maggot infestation)

DiagnosisDiagnosis: Examine animals frequently such as under : Examine animals frequently such as under tail or tail head, the flanks, fresh wet navels. If tail or tail head, the flanks, fresh wet navels. If animal acts strangely, maggots can often be found.animal acts strangely, maggots can often be found.

Treatment/PreventionTreatment/Prevention: Thoroughly clean area to : Thoroughly clean area to determine extent of infestation, remove maggots and determine extent of infestation, remove maggots and spray a wound dressing containing 2-3% insecticide. spray a wound dressing containing 2-3% insecticide. Examine and clean newborns and injured sheep, Examine and clean newborns and injured sheep, especially during fly season. Use fly spray liberally.especially during fly season. Use fly spray liberally.

BotsBots The adult fly darts at the sheep, depositing eggs The adult fly darts at the sheep, depositing eggs

around the muzzle, driving lambs crazy.around the muzzle, driving lambs crazy. Eggs immediately hatch and tiny larvae (bots) Eggs immediately hatch and tiny larvae (bots)

crawl into the nasal passages feeding on mucous crawl into the nasal passages feeding on mucous irritating the lining of the nasal passages.irritating the lining of the nasal passages.

May develop into a large spiny bot during the May develop into a large spiny bot during the summer.summer.

Clinical SignsClinical Signs: Lambs hide heads, paw at their : Lambs hide heads, paw at their faces, excessive mucus, sneezing, occasional faces, excessive mucus, sneezing, occasional circling.circling.

Treatment/PreventionTreatment/Prevention: Certain cattle drugs not : Certain cattle drugs not approved for sheep have proven effective. May approved for sheep have proven effective. May be used with the prescription of a veterinarian. be used with the prescription of a veterinarian. Good spray program could be beneficial as well.Good spray program could be beneficial as well.

KedsKeds

““Sheep Ticks” are often mistaken for real Sheep Ticks” are often mistaken for real ticks but are really wingless flies, reddish ticks but are really wingless flies, reddish brown in color, have 6 legs with claws and brown in color, have 6 legs with claws and piercing-sucking mouthparts.piercing-sucking mouthparts.

Females deposit larvae or maggots which Females deposit larvae or maggots which attach to the wool or skin. Adults emerge attach to the wool or skin. Adults emerge within a month.within a month.

Pierce the skin and cause irritation and blood Pierce the skin and cause irritation and blood loss.loss.

DiagnosisDiagnosis: Appearance of Keds: Appearance of Keds Treatment/PreventionTreatment/Prevention: Ectrin is effective and : Ectrin is effective and

approved for sheep. Shearing and use of approved for sheep. Shearing and use of Ectrin is a good preventive measure.Ectrin is a good preventive measure.

Mange MitesMange Mites

There are several species of mites which may There are several species of mites which may damage skin and wool. damage skin and wool.

Psoroptic and Sarcoptic mange cause “scab” a Psoroptic and Sarcoptic mange cause “scab” a leaking of tissue fluid mixed with blood.leaking of tissue fluid mixed with blood.

Highly contagious and must be reported to Highly contagious and must be reported to state officials with quarantine required.state officials with quarantine required.

Clinical SignsClinical Signs: Constant rubbing, wool breaks, : Constant rubbing, wool breaks, scab, debilitation, death.scab, debilitation, death.

Treatment:Treatment: Must contact state or USDA vet Must contact state or USDA vet offices.offices.

PreventionPrevention: Quarantine, treatment, slaughter: Quarantine, treatment, slaughter

TicksTicks There are several species which may include the There are several species which may include the

6-legged larva or seed tick, the 8-legged nymph 6-legged larva or seed tick, the 8-legged nymph or the 8-legged adult. The latter stage is larger or the 8-legged adult. The latter stage is larger and prefers large mammals. It also engorges and prefers large mammals. It also engorges blood necessary for egg production. The adult blood necessary for egg production. The adult eventually drops off to lay eggs in the soil. eventually drops off to lay eggs in the soil.

Sheep become infested by brushing against Sheep become infested by brushing against long-stemmed grass and brush where ticks long-stemmed grass and brush where ticks await.await.

Clinical SignsClinical Signs: Weakness due to irritation and : Weakness due to irritation and blood loss, weight loss, heavy infestations may blood loss, weight loss, heavy infestations may lead to death especially in young, neglected lead to death especially in young, neglected animals.animals.