How to detect a sick sheep:
Detecting a sick animal quickly can prevent loss of life and the potential spread of disease to the flock.
You must become familiar with normal behavior of your sheep. You must also have quick and easy ways of catching sheep to access them if needed. Areas such as a feed corral work well.
Signs of abnormality are loss of appetite or not coming to eat as usual, not ruminating and standing apart from the group when at rest. Be very concerned if a sheep is laying down most of the time when other sheep are not. Any weakness or staggering, unusual labored or fast breathing, change in bowel movement, wool discoloration or slipping, hanging their head over the water source or a temperature over 104 degrees can all be possible indications of illness.
The normal temperature of sheep ranges from 100.9 to 103 degrees (average 102.3 degrees). A veterinary rectal thermometer has a ring or hole at the outer end to tie a string for easy removal.
If it is necessary to catch a urine sample for use with the pregnancy toxemia (ketosis) strips or glucose strips for Enterotoxaemia, try holding the sheep nostrils closed for a moment. This "stress" sometimes triggers urination.
Areas where sheep are more likely to transmit germs:
1. Water or feed contaminated by feces from sheep or other animals can transmit intestinal diseases and parasites.
2. Respiratory disease may be spread by nasal discharge or feeding containers.
3. Dirty uncrotched wool on a ewe can infect the lamb.
4. Manure accumulated in a lambing shed or around a feeding trough can intensify exposure to disease germs and Coccidiosis, serve as breeding grounds for flies and other vermin. Another side affect can be the production of ammonia fumes which can inhibit respiratory function.
5. Wet, muddy places can cause hoof disease in sheep
6. Feeding on bare ground should be avoided and can contribute to parasite exposure and disease.
7. Venereal transmission of disease at breeding time.
8. Dirty syringes and needles can cause injection site infections.
9. Insects, birds, snails, dogs, cats and other hosts can be carriers of parasites and disease.
10. Newly acquired sheep can be carriers of many serious diseases such as Brucellosis, Chlamydia, OPP, Foot Rot etc.
At Karris Farm we maintain a healthy and sanitary surrounding. Our East Friesian sheep are adequately fed a well balanced diet on a normal schedule which aids in the prevention of disease. We also deworm our east Friesian Dairy Sheep regularly preventing parasite build up which can weaken the sheep and leave the more susceptible to disease. Sound management dictates that sheep should be vaccinated against all ailments and diseases prevalent in your area.
We wish all our friends, customer and sheep lovers a wonderful summer!
Sincerely,
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