sheep Approach to scour adult and lamb

What ages of lambs are affected by scours?

Neonates and older lambs.

What condition can poor lambing hygiene lead to?

E. coli infection.

What is a risk of indoor lambing?

Increased risk of Haemonchus and protozoa.

What impact can cold weather have on lamb health?

Increased risk of Nematodirus battus.

During which months does the risk of coccidiosis increase?

January to May.

What are signs of ill thrift in lambs?

Poor growth indicating possible coccidiosis, cryptosporidium, or PGE.

What does weight loss in lambs indicate?

Potential intestinal infection or parasite infestation.

What management practice can lead to an increased risk of coccidiosis?

Mixed aged groups.

Which bacterial infection affects both lambs and adult ewes?

Salmonella.

What type of scour is associated with coccidiosis?

Bloody appearance.

What kind of fecal smell is associated with cryptosporidium?

Green and fetid smell.

What does a watery scour indicate?

Nematodirus battus infection.

What dietary change can increase the risk of Nematodirus battus?

Putting lambs out to pasture.

What does abortion in lambs suggest?

Salmonella infection.

What indicator suggests poor fleece quality in lambs?

PGE presence.

What does a pyrexic temperature in lambs indicate?

Possible cryptosporidium or E. coli infection.

What might hypersalivation in lambs signify?

E. coli infection.

What indicates dehydration in lambs?

Increased risk of Nematodirus battus or coccidiosis.

What does a pot-belly appearance suggest in lambs?

E. coli infection.

What clinical sign indicates abdominal pain in lambs?

Cryptosporidium infection.

What does straining with blood indicate in lambs?

Coccidiosis.

What should you check in lambs younger than 7 days during investigations?

Blood sample for failure of passive transfer (FPT).

What test is performed to check for cryptosporidium in fecal samples?

McMasters test.

What is examined during post-mortem for lamb scours?

Haemorrhagic enteritis.

What supportive treatments should be provided to lambs with scours?

Fluid replacement, warmth, probiotics.

What is the protocol if lambs are pyrexic or systemically unwell?

Antibiotic treatment is indicated.

What are coccidiostats used for?

To treat coccidiosis.

What are the major causes of scours in neonate lambs?

E. coli, Clostridium perfringens type B, Salmonella, Rotavirus, Cryptosporidium.

What condition affects older lambs due to too much grain?

Rumen acidosis.

What is the risk age range for Nematodirus battus?

6 weeks to 4 months.

What good hygiene practice is recommended at lambing?

Clean and dry pens should be used.

How much colostrum should lambs receive in the first 6 hours?

50ml/kg.

What is required for good colostrum quality?

Ewe nutrition and body condition score (BCS).

What is advised regarding mixing age groups of lambs?

Do not mix age groups.

How can stocking density impact lamb health?

Higher stocking densities increase disease risk.

What vaccination is recommended for ewes?

Against clostridial disease.

When can lambs be vaccinated against clostridial diseases?

From 3 weeks of age.

What is a recommended anthelmintic for Nematodirus battus?

Benzimidazole.

How often should high-risk pastures for Nematodirus battus be tested?

Regularly.

What should be considered in adult sheep scour investigations?

Worming protocol and feeding practices.

What clinical signs indicate salmonella in adult sheep?

Pyrexia and behavior changes.

How should rumen function be assessed in adult sheep?

Auscultation.

What can bloat in adult sheep indicate?

Rumen acidosis.

What should be done if animals are affected by salmonella?

Isolate affected animals.

What are the clinical signs of rumen acidosis?

Depression, off feed, bloat, scour, and death.

What is the main method for preventing rumen acidosis?

Proper feeding management.

What should always be done before introducing new animals to the flock?

Test animals for diseases.