Sick Lambs Research Articles

Changes in peripheral blood parameters of lambs with spontaneous eimeriosis

In order to study the morphological and biochemical parameters of the blood of lambs affected by the causative agent of eimeria, an experimental group of animals of the Romanov breed, two months old, was formed. The lambs were spontaneously infected with the causative agent of eimeria, which was confirmed by laboratory and clinical studies. The second group of animals was free from eimeria and was kept separately. According to the results of blood tests of sick lambs, a decrease in the number of peripheral blood erythrocytes by 29.66 %, an increase in the total number of leukocytes by 47.12 % compared to the blood parameters of the control group of animals was revealed. A change in leukogram parameters was also noted: an increase in the number of eosinophils by 55.43 %, young neutrophils by 75 %. At the same time, there was a decrease in the number of rod-shaped neutrophils and an increase in the number of segmented neutrophils by 8.7 and 29.51 %, respectively. A decrease in the number of lymphocytes and monocytes by 31.68 and 12 %, respectively, was registered. Biochemical changes in the blood serum of sick lambs also underwent changes. A decrease in the content of total protein by 36.06 %, albumin by 13.09 % was established. An increase in the content of globulins and dysproteinemia was noted. Hemoglobin content was also reduced compared to blood parameters of healthy lambs by 32.25 %, as well as glucose content by 27.83 %. The activity level of ALT and AST increased by 43.43 and 33.15 %, respectively, as well as a slight decrease in GGT activity. The difference was statistically significant (Р < 0.01 and Р < 0.05). Differences in the blood parameters of sick lambs have been established and indicate a syndrome of the body's general inflammatory reaction, anemia, damage to the alimentary canal by the causative agent of eimeria and intoxication.

Hematological and biochemical indicators of lambs’ blood after the use of chemotherapeutic agents for spontaneous eimeriosis

Eimeria infection is one of the protozoal diseases of animals caused by various species of Eimeria and causes reduced productivity and raised mortality in ruminants, especially in young ones. To study the effect of anti-emeriosis drugs on the morphological and biochemical parameters of lambs’ blood infected with Eimeria, 3 groups of Romanov breed animals, two months old, affected by the Eimeria pathogen were formed. The first group of animals was treated with a drug containing the active ingredient decoquinate; the second group of animals with a drug containing the active ingredient toltrazuril; the third group of lambs were given a combined drug containing 80 mg of norsulfazole, 70 mg of sulgin, 30 mg of trimethoprim, 45 mg of oxytetracycline hydrochloride and 25 mg of tylosin tartrate per 1 g); the fourth group of lambs was the control group, the animals were free from the Eimeria pathogen and were kept separately. The blood of the animals was analysed on days 7 and 14 of treatment. In the blood of the experimental lambs, an increase in the number of red blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes was noted. There was also a decrease in the total number of leukocytes, eosinophils, young and segmented neutrophils. According to the results of the treatment, there was an increase in the content of total, albumin, hemoglobin and glucose, as well as the activity of gamma-glutamate transferase. At the same time, there was a decrease in the content of globulins and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase compared to the biochemical parameters of healthy lamb blood serum of the control group. According to treatment results, the restoration of sick lambs’ blood parameters to those of healthy animals was noted; however, the most stable effect was using the combined drug.

Effects of two oral electrolyte solutions in healthy newborn lambs

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two oral electrolyte solutions (OES), commercialized for the hydration of calves, on the water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance of newborn lambs. Twenty healthy crossbred Santa Inês lambs, 10 days old, 4–5 kg of body weight (BW), and fed on mother's milk, were included. The OES tested were slightly hyposmolar (OES 1: 279 mOsm/L; and OES 2: 283 mOsm/L) and had an alkalizing potential with an effective strong ion difference (SID3) of 76 mmol/L (OES 1) and 58 mmol/L (OES 2). In a crossover design, all lambs received the two OES, one at a time, with an interval of 7 days. On the day of treatment, the lambs received a volume corresponding to 5% of BW administered by esophageal tube at 0 and 6 h. Physical examinations were performed and venous blood samples were taken at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. Packed cell volume, total plasma protein, pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, bicarbonate ion, base excess, sodium (Na+), potassium, chloride (Cl−), SID3, L-lactate, glucose, anion gap, total concentration of non-volatile weak acids, and percentage change in plasma volume were measured. Data were analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA. OES caused iatrogenic imbalances characterized by expansion of plasma volume, change in the Na+ and Cl− ratio with increase in plasma SID3, and strong ion metabolic alkalosis. These imbalances were mostly reversed 24 h after the start of treatment and did not differ (P > 0.05) between the two tested OES. The absence of side effects indicates that the tested commercial OES are safe for use in newborn lambs. Further studies are needed to prove the therapeutic efficacy of these OES in dehydrated sick lambs with metabolic acidosis.

Efficacy of decoquinate in pelleted feed in case of eimeriosis in lambs

Eimeriosis of sheep reduces the profitability of the production of wool, leather, meat, and milk, which causes substantial damage to the sheep industry, and therefore requires the introduction of effective means of prevention and treatment of animals from this infestation. The purpose of this study was to establish the efficacy of decoquinate in granular feed in case of lamb eimeriosis. As a result of coproscopic studies according to DSTU 5079 2008 “Veterinary medicine. Methods of laboratory diagnosis of eimerioses” determined the extent of invasion of lambs by oocysts of various Eimeria species, namely E. arloingi – 41%, E. crandallis – 29%, E. intricate – 15%, E. faurei – 15%, which are registered in animals of separate farms of the Cherkasy region. Clinical symptoms of eimeriosis are observed in young animals from the age of one month and are characterized by anaemia of visible mucous membranes, diarrhoea, depression of the general condition, weakness, and predominantly acute course of invasion with high mortality. The manifestation of clinical symptoms of the disease depends on many factors, namely the age of lambs, the sanitary situation on the farm, changes in feed fattening programs, stressful situations that arise due to the movement of sheep to other premises or weaning lambs from ewes. In older lambs, as a rule, the disease has a chronic and asymptomatic course. In such animals, Eimeria oocysts are excreted in faeces in much smaller quantities than in one-month-old lambs during an acute course of infection. The maximum values of invasion extensiveness (100%) and invasion intensiveness (12,000 oocysts in 1 g of faeces) were found in two-month-old lambs. Invasion in the digestive canal of these animals worsens the absorption of feed nutrients, which contributes to a decrease in the average daily weight gain (on average 155.3 g/day), which increases with treatment of animals with decoquinate (on average 185.7 g/day). In general, the use of decoquinate in sick lambs at a dose of 1 mg/kg of body weight for 28 days shows prominent therapeutic and preventive effectiveness. Therewith, extensefficiency is 90%, and parasite carrier is observed only in 10% of animals. Therefore, for the effective treatment of lambs of distinct age groups, the decoquinate preparation can be recommended, which is especially important for farms with intensive rearing of young sheep

THE QUESTION OF EIMERIOSIS OF LAMBS IN SMALL FARMS

The article provides data on keeping lambs in small farms and homesteads in the Cherkasy region. Coprological studies have identified eimeria oocysts, in particular E. crandallis, E. intricate, E. arloingi, E. faurei, which are found in lambs and cause a lot of damage to their bodies. The presence of eimeria oocysts is associated with insufficient sanitary measures in cages and pens, which significantly affect the economic indicators of the profitability of small farms, which in turn limit the increase in the attractiveness of sheep farming. It has been established that eimeriosis in lambs often runs chronically, sometimes acutely. In lambs from the age of one month, characteristic clinical signs are observed: anemia of visible mucous membranes, diarrhea, depression, weakness and death. It has been noted that the intestinal epithelium of lambs is damaged during infestation. This worsens their assimilation of nutrients from food. It has been established that sick or sick lambs cause significant economic losses for such small farms, in particular, the profitability of wool, leather, and meat production decreases. It has been studied that at the beginning of the infestation, visible clinical signs in lambs depend on certain factors, in particular their age, weaning from the ewe, feeding, sanitary conditions in cages and pens, as well as various stressful situations. In older lambs, there is a tendency to infection with eіmeria. At the same time, eіmeriosis in them can be chronic or not clinically manifested, but Eimeria oocysts are excreted in their feces in a small amount, compared to one-month-old lambs during an acute course. In this regard, it is important, taking into account the time of year, to carry out diagnostic studies and medical and preventive measures for lambs of different age groups in small farms and homesteads.

Динамика гематологических и биохимических показателей при респираторном синдроме ягнят

Respiratory Diseases 2010–2020 were the cause of death of 4,8–12,6 % of lambs. A trend towards an increase in the proportion of factorial infectious diseases was established, the epizootic index – 1,0, the breadth of distribution – 10,53. The mass fraction of respiratory diseases in lambs – 11,7–19,94 %. To reveal the pathogenetic mechanisms of the infectious process, prevent animal diseases and obtain safe livestock products, it is a priority to study the dynamics of hematological and biochemical parameters using standardized multilevel diagnostic algorithms. The development of the pathological process was characterized by a complex respiratory syndrome and was accompanied by cough, shortness of breath, nasal discharge, rhinitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, epiglottitis, laryngeal edema, tracheitis, bronchitis, hyperemia and pulmonary edema, bronchopneumonia, pulmonary emphysema, pleurisy, hydrothorax, pneumothorax . The dynamics of hematological parameters was characterized by an increase in the total number of leukocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes. Biochemical parameters were characterized by a decrease in total protein and glucose. An increase in urea and alkaline phosphatase was observed. A violation of the water and electrolyte balance was established: a decrease in the content of potassium, sodium and magnesium. An increase in the concentration of C-reactive protein was established – 9,34±2,80–11,54±1,08; decrease in the concentration of immunoglobulin IgA – 0,43±0,02–0,50±0.04 mg/ml; IgG – 7,60±0,19–12,40±2,10 mg/ml. The development of pathological processes is due to a decrease in immune reactions that prevent the adhesion of pathogens to the surface of epithelial cells. Mean adhesion score, SPA≥4,0 isolates: E. coli: O33:F41, O2:A20; K. pneumoniae; P. vulgaris; P. aeruginosa; S. aureus; C. albicans. Microscopic examination of swab preparations from the nasal cavity of sick lambs revealed predominantly coccal forms of microorganisms, as well as a large amount of mucus, erythrocytes, leukocytes, ciliated epithelial cells.

Epizootological monitoring of infectious diseases in sheep and goats

Relevance . A significant increase in the proportion of factorial infectious diseases was established, the epizootic index in which reaches 1,0, the focal coefficient — 18,97, mortality — 100,0%, the insufficient effectiveness of diagnostic and antiepizootic measures determine the presence of conjugate foci and the threat of the formation of an enzootic zone. The widespread occurrence of these pathologies is facilitated by a decrease in the natural resistance of the body of animals when kept in limited areas, unconventional feeding and the use of chemotherapeutic and disinfectants. The aim of the work was to conduct epizootological monitoring of the infectious pathology of sheep, based on the optimization of the scheme of bacteriological and mycological diagnostics. Methods . The object of the study was sheep of the “Romanovskaya” breed, goats of the “Zaanenskaya” breed, and lambs of the “Aginskaya” breed. In a retrospective analysis of the epizootic situation for infectious diseases, statistical data were taken into account, assessing the extensive and intensive indicators of the epizootic process. For the intravital diagnosis of infectious diseases, washes from the mucous membranes of the oral and nasal cavity ( n = 10), feces ( n = 35) of sick lambs were studied. In addition, we studied the washings of objects in the reproductive rooms ( n = 5). The results of the experimental data were processed by the method of statistical analysis using the Student’s t-test, the results were considered reliable at р ≤ 0,05. Results. Analyzing the data of veterinary reporting, systematization and statistical processing of epizootic indicators, it was found that out of the total number of sheep and goats (144,274), the number of sick animals with bacterial diseases was 35, of which pasteurellosis — 5,72%, escherichiosis — 60,0%, staphylococcosis — 2,86%, streptococcosis — 22,86%. In the structure of infectious pathology of sheep and goats for the period 2014–2018 there is a dynamics of changes in the nosological profile with a predominance of the share of escherichiosis — 22,86% and 20,0% in years 2014 and 2015, respectively. The etiological structure of the infectious pathology of lambs is represented by bacteria: E. coli ; K. pneumoniae — 4 (10,5%); P. vulgaris — 3 (7,9%); E. cloacae — 2 (5,3%); P. aeruginosa — 1 (2,7%); S. aureus — 1 (2,7%); S. epidermidis — 1 (2,7%); C. albicans — 2 (5,3%); C. parapsilosis — 1 (2,7%).

Retinol, α-Tocopherol and Vitamin D3 in White MuscleDisease

Vitamins are essential for the health of all living organisms. Vitamins E, A, D and K are known as fat-soluble vitamins, and deprivation of vitamin E causes various disorders, especially in the reproduction and cardiovascular systems and in muscle functions. Vitamin A, on the other hand, has roles in various biological functions – like eyesight – and the growth, reproduction and differentiation of epithelial cells. Vitamin A deficiency leads to the keratinization of the epithelium, and disorders related to the metaplasies of the genital and genitourinary systems. Conversely, vitamin D is defined as a pro-hormone and is responsible for Cahomeostasis, and thus indirectly affects the bone metabolism, bone structure, and cellular and neural functions of Ca. White muscle disease (WMD) can occur in newborn lambs, but is more commonly seen in lambs of up to 3 months of age. In this study, 30 lambs of 3 to 50-days-old from different flocks diagnosed with White Muscle Disease (WMD) were selected as research material, while the control group consisted of 8 healthy lambs. With the aim of clarifying the cause of WMD, serum fat-soluble vitamins, retinol, α-tocopherol and vitamin D3 levels were determined in 16 lambs. Gluteal and heart musclet issue samples also were taken from 30 lambs with WMD. The vitamin levels of the samples were analysed by HPLC. The levels of serum α-tocopherol, retinols, and vitamin D3 were foundto be low in the diseased animals, but only retinol (p<0.001) and α-tocopherol (p<0.0011) level differences were statistically relevant. Macroscopically, Zenker’s necrosis was determined in the heart muscles of 17 lambs, and in the gluteal and chest muscles of 6 lambs. 7 lambs displayed necrosis in both their heart and in gluteal muscles. The samples were analyzed microscopically to reach similar findings: swollen homogeneous pink muscles, pycnotic nuclei, and hyperaemic and haemorrhagic blood vessels in gluteal, chest and heart muscles. Hyaline degeneration and Zenker's necrosis, dystrophic regions in necrotic areas, cc was detected as a severe disease in lambs at an early stage of life with advanced degeneration in different muscle tissues. Deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins was also detected in the sick animals. Control group lambs had higher levels of α tocopherol and retinol (p<0.001) compared to the sick lambs. .

Retinol, α-tocopherol and vitamin D3 in White MuscleDisease

Vitamins are essential for the health of all living organisms. Vitamins E, A, D and K are known as fat-soluble vitamins, and deprivation of vitamin E causes various disorders, especially in the reproduction and cardiovascular systems and in muscle functions. Vitamin A, on the other hand, has roles in various biological functions – like eyesight – and the growth, reproduction and differentiation of epithelial cells. Vitamin A deficiency leads to the keratinization of the epithelium, and disorders related to the metaplasies of the genital and genitourinary systems. Conversely, vitamin D is defined as a pro-hormone and is responsible for Cahomeostasis, and thus indirectly affects the bone metabolism, bone structure, and cellular and neural functions of Ca. White muscle disease (WMD) can occur in newborn lambs, but is more commonly seen in lambs of up to 3 months of age. In this study, 30 lambs of 3 to 50-days-old from different flocks diagnosed with White Muscle Disease (WMD) were selected as research material, while the control group consisted of 8 healthy lambs. With the aim of clarifying the cause of WMD, serum fat-soluble vitamins, retinol, α-tocopherol and vitamin D3 levels were determined in 16 lambs. Gluteal and heart musclet issue samples also were taken from 30 lambs with WMD. The vitamin levels of the samples were analysed by HPLC. The levels of serum α-tocopherol, retinols, and vitamin D3 were foundto be low in the diseased animals, but only retinol (p<0.001) and α-tocopherol (p<0.0011) level differences were statistically relevant. Macroscopically, Zenker’s necrosis was determined in the heart muscles of 17 lambs, and in the gluteal and chest muscles of 6 lambs. 7 lambs displayed necrosis in both their heart and in gluteal muscles. The samples were analyzed microscopically to reach similar findings: swollen homogeneous pink muscles, pycnotic nuclei, and hyperaemic and haemorrhagic blood vessels in gluteal, chest and heart muscles. Hyaline degeneration and Zenker's necrosis, dystrophic regions in necrotic areas, cc was detected as a severe disease in lambs at an early stage of life with advanced degeneration in different muscle tissues. Deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins was also detected in the sick animals. Control group lambs had higher levels of α tocopherol and retinol (p<0.001) compared to the sick lambs. .

Efficacy of ponazuril in weaned feeder lambs with naturally acquired coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a common and economically significant parasitic disease that causes diarrhea, weight loss, and death in lambs. Coccidiostats currently labeled in the US for ovine coccidiosis are challenging to administer at effective doses in sick lambs and clinically ineffectual when used late in the disease process. Newer triazinone-class coccidiocidial drugs, such as toltrazuril (Baycox®, Bayer Animal Health) are effective across a greater range of Eimeria's life cycle, resulting in improved clinical response and treatment compliance. Ponazuril (toltrazuril sulfone), an active metabolite of toltrazuril, is labeled in the United States for treatment of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis and is being used extra-label in sheep and goats for treatment of coccidiosis despite a lack of published data regarding its clinical effectiveness in sheep. The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy (fecal oocyst shedding, fecal consistency, and lamb growth performance) of a single low (2.27 mg/lb; 5 mg/kg) or high (9.1 mg/lb; 20 mg/kg) oral dose of ponazuril for treatment of naturally-acquired coccidiosis (Eimeria spp) in commercial feeder lambs.

Lamb mortality in an outbreak of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis mastitis, as a collateral effect of colostrum feeding for Lentivirus-control

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infections have been reported in a wide range of wild and domestic hosts, as well as humans. There have been some reports on involvement of this pathogen in the aetiology of mastitis in cows and goats, but apparently not in sheep. We report here a case where subclinical mastitis in a Latxa dairy sheep flock appeared to cause an outbreak of perinatal mortality, as a consequence of unknowingly feeding infected colostrum for preventing vertical transmission of Small Ruminant Lentivirus. The flock was composed of 188 ewes that had lambed in late-January 2008. Deaths of 3–5-day-old lambs reached 50% mortality of lambs born on the 20th and the 21st day of the outbreak and then decreased, averaging 34% out of 105 lambs born during a 6-day period. Affected lambs appeared inactive and ceased eating and growing. Two lambs submitted for post mortem examination showed necrosuppurative enterocolitis, mesenteric lymphadenitis, necrotizing hepatitis, splenitis and pneumonia. Bacterial culture yielded Y. pseudotuberculosis. It was noticed that all sick lambs had been fed with colostrum from a single ewe that had three lambs on the 20th January. All that colostrum had been consumed, but the milk of all animals in the flock was immediately submitted to the California Mastitis Test (CMT). Several ewes resulted positive, but only two yielded any significant isolation, which was in both cases of Y. pseudotuberculosis. One was also a colostrum donor. Treatment with enrofloxacin was immediately given to the surviving lambs and these showed a quick recovery. All the contaminated bulk milk was destroyed after the first Y. pseudotuberculosis isolation from milk samples; the two infected ewes were separated and dried-off on a treatment with enrofloxacin immediately and at the end of lactation, respectively. On the 71st day, the donor ewe was killed after showing an acute mastitis, from which Y. pseudotuberculosis was recovered. The surviving ewe, that carried two foetuses, suffered pregnancy toxaemia 1 week after being transferred to new facilities nine months later. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was isolated from placenta, right mammary gland and faeces and Escherichia coli from the intestine and lung, but no Y. pseudotuberculosis was recovered from any sample. Regarding use of colostrum, it was concluded that it is necessary to always check it with the CMT before using it for lambs on artificial lactation.

ETIO-PATHOGENETICAL RESEARCHES IN COCCIDIOSIS OF THE LAMBS BRED IN BIG GROUPS, IN AN UNIT FROM THE WEST OF ROMANIA

The diarrheic syndrome can be attributed to various causes: biotic agents (bacteria, parasites, fungi and viruses), alimentary, inobservance of the hygiene conditions, intervention of some maternal, genetic, immunity and human factors. An important place in producing this syndrome in l ambs devolves upon the Eimeria . In this study we had in view the qualitative estim ation of the value of the biotic agents which inter vene in the beginning of the diarrheic syndrome in lambs , from the neonatal period till to the age of 3 mon ths. Observations concerning the share of the coccidian infection in producing this syndrome in lambs were performed. Clinical exam were accomplished, specifying the incidence of the diarrheic syndrome, the lo sses by mortality in lambs, also anatomo-pathological exams by necropsy, histo-pathological exam (hematoxilin- eosine method). The coproscopical exam was done, using the Blagg modified byuteu, McMaster, sedimentation by centrifugation and Baermann methods. The coccidian species were determined by micrometry, according to the morphological features cited by various authors. Fo r determining the bacterial charge in faeces sample s from lambs, selective (Istrate-Maitert) and differentiat ion (MIU, TSI, MILF, citrate Simmons) mediums were used for enterobacteria, Chapmann medium for enterococc and agar with blood for the investigation of the hemoly tic capacity. The presence of Corona and Corona viruses were investigated by electrophoresis in poliacryla mide gel, respectively the hemagglutination assay with mouse red cells. As a result of the etio-pathogenetical and diagnost ic investigations performed, we came to the conclusions: the diarrheic syndrome evolved in the lambs aged from 4 weeks to 3 months, with an incidence of 26%. The mortality occurred in 16% of the sick lambs; the clinical aspects were represented by diarrhe a with aqueous yellow-chocolate colored feces, with abunda nt mucus, anomaly, then anorexia and dehydration; anatomo-pathologically, catharal enterocolitis, wit h punctiform hemorrhages, whitish foci on the intes tinal mucous membrane, hypertrophy of the mesenteric lymph nodes were observed. As a histopathologic result, the necrotic catharal enteritis, caused by coccidian ev olution forms, and mesenteric hyperplastic lymph ad enitis were observed. The diarrheic syndrome in lambs took place by the intervention of some unor multiple biotic agents: protozoa like Eimeria (extensivity 95%, intensivity 17500 EPG); Cryptosporidium (17.82%) and Giardia (22%); and the suprainfection with bacterial germs, unpath ogen, firstly E. coli (45%) and Proteus (65%). We didn't find Rota and Corona-viruses by the usual methods. The specific structure of the Eimeria population in the lambs with diarrheic syndrome is: E. ovinoidalis (42%); E. crandallis (28%); E. faurei (10%); E. parva (17%) and E. pallida (3%).

Risk factors for lamb mortality on UK sheep farms

Data on neonatal-lamb mortality and flock history were recorded by veterinary students working on 108 sheep farms in the UK in Spring 1997. The mean reported mortality incidence risk was 10.0% (median 9%; inter-quartile range 5.9–12.3%). The outcomes were incidence risks of stillbirth, perinatal (within 24 h of birth) mortality and postnatal (>24 h after birth) mortality. Exposures were screened for univariable associations with mortality risk. Logistic binomial multiple regressions adjusted for confounding, with farm as a random effect. This study has raised hypotheses for management factors associated with lamb mortality that warrant further study. Intensive rearing systems appear to be associated with increased perinatal and postnatal mortality, although housing ewes at lambing was associated with a decreased risk of stillbirth. High perinatal mortality also was associated with poor mothering-pen hygiene, flocks that foster more lambs, and failure to provide appropriate nursing for sick lambs. Larger flocks, poor ewe condition at breeding, and flocks with higher ewe-replacement rates were associated with higher postnatal mortality.

The relationship between abnormalities detected in live lambs on farms and those detected at post mortem meat inspection

A prospective longitudinal study of diseases of lambs born in December and January and housed through to slaughter was carried out on three flocks (A, B and C) between 1989 and 1991. In the first year of the investigation (1989-90) three cohorts of approximately 80 lambs were examined in detail on a regular (weekly or fortnightly) basis. This involved over 2000 examinations and at least one clinical abnormality was observed in each lamb. In the second year (1990-1) the farmers were asked to present sick lambs for treatment on the farm. Farmers from flocks A and B participated in this part of the study; a total of 97/1295 lambs that were slaughtered received at least one treatment. The carcases and visceral organs of lambs from each flock were observed after slaughter. There was no association between the abnormalities observed during routine examination of the cohort lambs (year 1) and those observed at post mortem meat inspection. However, in year 2, in lambs from flock A, there was a significant association between lambs treated for arthritis or pneumonia on the farm and the presence of arthritic or pleuritic lesions, respectively, post mortem. In both years of the study lambs which were older when slaughtered were significantly more likely to have pleuritic, pneumonic or arthritic lesions at meat inspection. It was concluded that routine examination of groups of lambs is an inefficient and possibly ineffective method to identify lambs with lesions at slaughter. However, lambs which have been treated for disease, and the older lambs in a flock, had an increased prevalence of lesions post mortem and hence more detailed inspection of these animals would increase the efficiency of meat inspection.

Lamb morbidity in three housed flocks in south-west England during two lambing seasons—farmer versus veterinary monitoring

A 2 year investigation into diseases of early-born, housed lambs was carried out from 1989 to 1991. The mortality, morbidity and sub-clinical disease of housed lambs from three flocks were studied. This paper describes the collection and analysis of morbidity data. Morbidity was assessed using two techniques. In the first year, a cohort of approximately 80 lambs per flock was observed at regular (7 or 14 day) intervals from birth to slaughter at 10–26 weeks of age. Each lamb was examined using a routine clinical examination carried out by two out of three members of a trained team of veterinarians. The technique used was thought to be objective and accurate. However, because there was a small proportion (10–12%) of lambs examined there was a lack of information on severely sick lambs and only diseases of prevalence greater than 3.5% had a 95% probability of being identified. This led to a change im the method of data collection in the second year when the whole flock of lambs was observed by farmers and lambs which they considered sick were presented for treatment. Seventeen clinical entities were detected in the first year; these were primarily mild conditions. In lambs from Cohorts A, B and C, the mortality rates were 11.8%, 10.5% and 1.3%, respectively. In the second year, 16 diseases were observed. Lambs presented by the farmers were overtly sick; 15.3% from Flock A and 29.2% from Flock B died. There were no sick lambs presented by Farmer C. In the second year, sick lambs were observed but the objectivity of the study was considered to have decreased from the first year. Evidence of this came from the inter-observer bias between farmers. There was a significant difference in the proportion of sick lambs presented by Farmers A and B but there was no significant difference in the proportion of lambs which subsequently died (1.6% and 1.8 %) of lambs born in Cohorts A and B, respectively) and which had been presented for treatment, suggesting that Farmer A selected less severely sick lambs than Farmer B.

Problems and some solutions in the collection of data when investigating diseases of lambs in early lambing (housed) flocks

The problems encountered and some solutions found when collecting data for a survey of morbidity, mortality and finishing quality of early-born lambs are presented. Major problems included farm selection, farmer compliance, number of farms, accurate identification and detection of lambs, collection of morbidity data and handling of data prior to analysis. Farms were ascertained from a list of those contracted to provide lambs to a large abattoir in Devon. Farmer compliance was assisted by selecting farms where farmers appeared to be genuinely interested in the research. It was maintained by personal contact during farm visits and by holding meetings where preliminary results were presented. The number of farms used in the study (three) was decided upon from a combination of the number of suitable farms and the frequency and duration of each farm visit. Three designs of ear tag were used to identify lambs. The RD2000 was considered the most succesful in this project. Morbidity data were collected using two techniques; in the first year a randomly selected cohort of lambs in each flock was given a clinical examination every 7 or 14 days from birth to slaughter. In the second year lambs which farmers considered sick were presented for treatment. The former approach provided detailed information on approximately 12% of lambs in each flock and led primarily to the observation of sub-clinical diseases. There were five out of 72 (6.9%), six out of 73 (8.2%) and one out of 80 (1.3%) deaths postpartum in Cohorts A, B and C. The latter approach was less objective but monitored acute, severe disease; 15% (Flock A) and 29% (Flock B) of sick lambs died. A data capture device was used to record observations. It reduced the time required to load data onto microcomputer but was unreliable and was abandoned.

Observations on three outbreaks ofLeptospira interrogansserovarpomonainfection in lambs

Sickness and deaths associated with leptospirosis were reported in three lamb flocks in the Manawatu region. The clinical, pathological and serological features of Leptospiru interrogans serovar pomona infection are described. The mucous membranes of affected animals were pale and jaundiced. Haemoglobinuria, haemoglobinaemia and centrilobular hepatocellular necrosis were also consistent findings. All clinically sick lambs had very high titres in the microscopic agglutination test for L. pomona. Circumstantial evidence of pigs being the source of infection was found in one of the three cases.

Planning: A Rural Perspective

I dream of a time when the lamb will lie down with the lion, of a time when country and city will come together in harmonious interplay, not as now in a posture of predator and victim. No doubt amnesty between the lamb and the lion calls for a fundamental alteration of the lion's character. As for the lamb, what a long period of learning to trust will be required before it is comfortable with an amiable relationship. The prophet Isaiah, who foresaw this new regime, probably did not know that among the animals the lamb and the lion already had a sensible arrangement. The lion knew enough to dine on sick lambs and ancient rams and ewes, but not to destroy the strong breeding stock which provided his ongoing food supply. In a sense the sheep were beneficiaries too, even if the method seems heartless to us as we cope with too many people and too few lions. Whatever scenario you choose—the scriptural, which was clearly aimed at erring humans, or the ecological—the metaphor does not fit the relation of city to country. Though I may dream of an accommodation resulting in mutual benefits, the reality is otherwise. The city continues to eat up or despoil the country with little regard to long-term survival, while those who live out on the land, having lost the capacity of flight or defence, make their peace by admiring and emulating this powerful predator.

Regional enteritis in lambs

Thirty-two lambs with regional enteritis were examined. Eighteen were received alive and examined clinically, while the remaining were dead on arrival. One of the sick lambs recovered without treatment. Occurrence and epidemiology, clinical signs, clinical pathology, necropsy findings, light microscopy, immunoperoxidase studies, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy are reported. The disease was characterised by stretching of the fore- and hindlimbs, ill thrift, intermittent diarrhoea, leucocytosis, thickened ileal wall and hyperplasia of the ileal mucosa. None of the methods applied revealed any causal agents. Possible aetiological factors are discussed.

Relationship between Selenium Content of Forage, Blood and Organs of Sheep, and Lamb Mortality Rate)

The investigation comprised 12 herds, totalling 660 sheep, in the counties of Stockholm and Uppsala. The selenium content of specimens of forage, whole blood, muscle, liver, and kidney was determined by a fluorimetric method. Data on the number of born and dead lambs were collected 4—5 months after lambing. Dead and sick lambs were subjected to necropsy and to clinico-chemical analyses, respectively. The selenium content of hay and corn was lower than 60 ng per g, which some authors regard as the minimum level of Se requirement for protection against white muscle disease in sheep. The analyses of forage mixtures containing oil concentrates and beet pulp showed selenium levels that were about 2—5 times as high as this minimum level. In herds in which the animals had not been treated with selenium preparations prior to sampling, there was a significant positive correlation between the selenium content of the forage and that of whole blood. A relationship was also noted between the selenium content of forage and of organs. In 9 out of the 12 herds the selenium concentrations in whole blood were on the level that is considered to be representative of white muscle disease. A high mortality rate was recorded for lambs whose mothers had low selenium levels in their blood. Prophylactic and curative treatment with selenium plus vitamin E orally and/or parenterally probably reduced lamb mortality rate in the herds fed a low-selenium diet.