December 2024
Sheep Lameness
Why is Lameness a concern?
Lameness in sheep is a major economic and welfare issue for the sheep industry for the UK. Lame sheep have reduced weight gain, lower wool quality and generally reduced productivity.
What causes Lameness?
The majority of sheep lameness is cause by infectious disease, the three main ones are:
Scald
It is estimated that 97% of flocks are affected with scald, either on its own or apart of a mixed infection. Scald is caused by Dichelobacter nodosus which invades the foot through damaged or softened skin. Clinically is causes pain and reddening of the skin between the toes, it also often smells. Scald often progresses to footrot.
Footrot
This is a progression of scald and is also caused by Dichelobacter nodous. Clinically it causes under running of the sole of the hoof and grey pus with a distinct smell.
CODD
CODD is caused by Treponeme bacteria like those that cause digital dermatitis in cattle. It is seen on 35-50% of UK farms an can cause severe lameness outbreaks where up to 50% of the flock can be affected in the first year. Clinically it causes ulcerative lesions of the coronary band which leads to progressive under running of the hoof wall, in severe cases the hoof can come off.
What are the risk factors?
There are several factors that contribute to an increased risk of infectious foot disease within a flock the, main ones being:
Warmer weather
Wet under foot conditions
Muddy ground
Housing
Higher stock density
How can we prevent lameness?
The best way of preventing and controlling infectious lameness in a flock is with the 5– point lameness plan. This can be tailored to individual flocks’ needs with a vet visit, which can be included under with animal health and welfare pathway funding. If you are concerned about lameness in your flock, please do not hesitate to contact us to arrange a lameness visit or discuss further with a vet.
REMINDER:
Please bring back the cold packs and insulation packaging that you take your fridge items home in. They are reusable!
Great News!
Richards back at work and feeling better. He is still doing physio but on the mend!
Save The Date: Our next webinar will be held on 13th January @7:00pm It will be focused around Lamb disease prevention and Control.
Pneumonia in Calves
Autumn is a high risk time of year for cattle developing pneumonia for the following reasons Multiple management stressors can have a significant impact on an animal’s natural defences to disease, such as:
Weaning
Housing
Mixing groups
Diet change
Castration
Dehorning
As far as practical these events should be separated by at least 2 weeks to minimise their impact. Housing cattle increases the likelihood of infection spreading. High stocking density and poor ventilation in the shed increase this risk further as does mixing of age groups.
Infections: Most cattle are exposed to many of the viruses and bacteria which cause pneumonia at some stage in their lives. If you buy in from market or multiple farms this risk is increased.
Vaccination: The benefits of good colostrum can still be demonstrated at weaning but the calf will by now be developing its own immune system to combat disease challenges. Vaccination can provide increased immunity to many of the respiratory diseases the calf is likely to come into contact with once housed and for maximum benefit should given while cattle are still out at grass, to be fully effective before winter housing. If this is not possible, we will often advise use of a ‘Live’ vaccine to achieve the most rapid immune response, however we know that even with a live vaccine it works best where at least a week has elapsed between vaccination and housing.
We are happy to arrange a visit to discuss the situation on your farm and review your vaccination plan to obtain maximum benefit from vaccines used.