2014 WINTER WEBINAR SERIESSHEEP & GOAT HEALTH

PART IV: COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS

SUSAN SCHOENIAN & JEFF SEMLER – UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION

MOST COMMON DISEASES AFFECTING SHEEP AND GOATS

•Parasitic

•Respiratory

•Hoof

•Reproductive

•Metabolic

•Other diseases

PARASITIC DISEASESSheep and goats can be affected by many different internal and external parasites.

INTERNAL (ENDO)

1. Helminths (multi-cellular)a) Nematodes

(roundworms)

b) Cestodes(tapeworms)

c) Trematodes(flukes)

2. Protozoa (single-cell)

EXTERNAL (ECTO)

1. Ticks

2. Keds

3. Biting lice

4. Sucking lice

5. Mites

6. Nasal bots (bot flies)

INTERNAL PARASITESNEMATODES - ROUNDWORMS

Strongyle-type worms

Blood-feeding worms

• Haemonchus contortus (barber pole worm) *

• Bunostomum (hookworm)

“Scour” worms

• Cooperia (small intestinal worm)

• Nematodirus (threadworm)

• Oesophagostomum (nodule form)

• Teladorsagia (brown stomach worm)*

• Trichostrongylus (hair worm)*

• Trichuris ovis (whipworm)

• Lungworms

• Meningeal worm Bottle jaw - barber pole worm infection

STRONGYLE-TYPE WORMS OF IMPORTANCE

HAEMONCHUS CONTORTUS #1Barber pole worm

• Blood-feeding parasite that causes blood and protein loss (anemia) and bottle jaw and sudden death.

TRICHOSTRONGYLUS SPP. andTELADOSAGIA (OSTERTAGIA)

• Cause gastritis and enteritis in host: weight loss, diarrhea, production loss.

• Usually of secondary importance to Haemonchus in mixed parasitic infections.

• Short, simple life cycles: no intermediate host

• Able to go into hypobiotic (arrested) state (in animal) to survive unfavorable environmental conditions (e.g. winter).

• Control with management: pasture rest/rotation, clean pastures, annual pastures, mixed species grazing, tanniferous forages, browsing, minimum grazing heights, zero grazing, genetic selection, etc.

• Control with targeted, selective treatment(s) with effective anthelmintic(s); test for anthelmintic resistance every 2-3 years.

OTHER ROUNDWORMSLUNGWORMSMUELLERIUS CAPILLARIES, DICTOCAULUS FILARIAL

• Prefer cool conditions. Muellerious requires an intermediate host.

• Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, finding larvae in feces (Baermann technique), and post-mortem exam.

• SymptomsUsually no signs of infectionIn severe cases, coughing, rapid breathing, nasal discharge, loss of appetite, and ill thrift.

• Most anthelmintics are effective against lungworms.

• Generally not very pathogenic; more problematic in goats , especially kids (?)

MENINGEAL WORM PARALAPHOSTRONGYLUS TENIUS

• Parasite of white tail deer

• Sheep, goats, and camelids are unnatural, dead end hosts (no eggs in feces) for parasite.

• Require intermediate host: terrestrial snail or slug

• Digestive tract central nervous system.Cause neurological symptoms , paralysis, death.

• Treat with fenbendazole, ivermectin, and anti-inflammatory drugs (Rx).

• Prevention (?)Monthly treatments with ivermectin.Control of snail, slug population

• Can be a significant problem on some farms.

OTHER HELMINTH PARASITESCESTODES - TAPEWORMSMONIEZIA SPP.

• Only parasite that is visible in feces (tapeworm segments).

• Require intermediate host (pasture mites) to complete life cycle (6 weeks).

• Tend to be non-pathogenic; usually no benefit to treatment.

• Can treat with albendazole, fenbendazole (Rx), or praziquantel (Quest® Plus Gel, Rx).

TREMATODES - FLUKES FASCIOLA HEPATICA

• Oval-shape, leaf-like

• Require intermediate host (snail, slug) to complete life cycle (2-3 months).

• Diagnose by finding eggs in feces and post-mortem exam (liver damage, flukes in bile ducts).

• Cause liver damage and hemorrhage.Similar symptoms as barber pole worm: anemia, submandibular edema (bottle jaw), sudden death.

• Treat with albendazole, closantel (Rx), and Ivomec® Plus (Rx).

• Geographic distribution: Gulf Coast States, especially Florida, and Pacific Northwest.

PROTOZOA: COCCIDIA (EIMERIA SPP.)

• Single-cell protozoa

• Species specific

• Not all strains are pathogenic

• More complicated life cycle than worms, e.g. spores and asexual reproduction.

• Affects mostly young animals, 1-6 months of age, especially weanlings.

• Adults are largely immune, but serve as reservoirs of infection.

COCCIDIOSIS (EIMERIA SPP.)

• Symptoms Clinical (5%) vs. sub-clinical (95%)Scours (diarrhea): none to mild to severeIll-thrift, anorexia, lethargy, dehydrationDirty hocks, rough coat, open fleece

• TreatmentDrench with amprolium (Corid) or sulfa antibiotic* for 5 days (Rx).Supportive therapy as needed.

• PreventionGood management, sanitation, and nutrition.Coccidiostats in feed, water, or mineral:Corid (Rx), Bovatec®, Rumensin®, or Deccox®.

COCCIDIOSIS (EIMERIA SPP.)

EXTERNAL PARASITES

SYMPTOMS

• Ticks, mites, lice, kedsExcessive rubbing and scratching, Irritation and itchingBiting at selfLoss of hair, woolRaw areas

• Nasal botsNasal dischargeHead shaking, teeth grindingSnorting with head to ground

TREATMENT

• Specific treatment recommendations vary by pest.

• Insecticides* Mostly permethrin-basedPour-ons*, sprays, dips, and aerosols Some Rx

• Anthelmintics (Rx for goats)Ivermectin* (drench) Moxidectin (drench)

Ivomec® is only labeled for the control of nasal bots in sheep. Cydectin® is not labeled for external parasite control.

* recommended

RESPIRATORY DISEASE IN SHEEP AND GOATS

• Respiratory problems are common in sheep and goats; they can have many causes, including bacteria, viruses, tumors, parasites, and aspiration.

• Common bacterial causes of pneumonia in sheep/goats include Pasteurella multocida, Mannheamia haemolytica, mycoplasma

• Respiratory disease is characterized by fever (>104°F), coughing, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, weakness, and death.

• Prevent with management, e.g. good nutrition, sanitation, proper ventilation, and vaccination (pasteurella).

• Treat with antibiotics: penicillin, LA-200®, Nuflur®*, Naxcel®, or Excenel® (Rx)* and anti-inflammatory drugs (Rx)*.

THREE HOOF DISEASES THAT COMMONLY INFECT SUSCEPTIBLE SHEEP AND GOATS.

FOOT SCALD

• An inflammation or redness between toes (claws) of hoof.

FOOTROT

• Infection of hoof: involves separation of horny portions of hoof from the underlying sensitive areas.

• Characteristic foul odor.

FOOT ABSCESS

• Bacterial infection of damaged hoof tissue, causing formation of abscess inside.

FOOT SCALD

• Foot scald is caused by a bacteria that is present on all sheep and goat farms: Fusobacterium necrophorum.

• It is not thought to be contagious.

• Occurs during periods of wet weather.

• Seems to be more of a problem with goats than sheep.

• TreatmentTopical treatment or foot soak with zinc sulfate solution.

FOOTROT

• Foot rot requires the interaction of two anaerobic bacteria: F. necrophorum + Dichelobacter nodosus.

• D. nodosus does not infect healthy hooves.

• D. nodosus is introduced to a farm via infected hooves.

• D. nodosus can only survive outside of hoof for 14 d.

• Highly contagious.

• Hard to eradicate.

• Treatment and eradicationHoof trimming + foot soaking + culling (+ antibiotics/UK)

http://umaine.edu/sheep/files/2010/06/protocol-5-12.pdf

FOOT ABSCESS

• Foot abscesses are caused by bacteria that are normally found on farms, e.g. actinomyces spp.

• Usually an individual animal problem; mostly mature, heavy animals.

• TreatmentAntibiotics

REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS

• Abortion

• Dystocia

• Ringwomb

• Prolapses

• Mastitis

• Pregnancy toxemia

• Milk fever

ABORTIONTermination of pregnancy, stillbirths, weak offspring, congenital abnormalities1-5% loss is normal. Hard to know how many is normal in a small flock/herd.

• Infectious causes of abortion (zoonotic!)

Top three causesCampylobacter (vibrio)Chlamydia (enzootic, EAE)Toxoplasmosis (coccidia of cat)

Less common causesBorder disease (related to BVD)BrucellosisCache Valley Virus LeptospirosisListeriosisSalmonellaQ feverBluetongue (virus)

• Non-infectious causes of abortion Nutrition, stress, diseases, near-term situations

• During an abortion stormWear gloves!Isolate aborting ewes/doesRemove and destroy all bedding and aborted materialThoroughly disinfect pensSubmit samples for necropsy (50% chance of diagnosis) Feed antibiotics to remaining females (goats, Rx)Antibiotic injections to remaining females (Rx)

• PreventionMaintain a closed flock or herdVaccinate at-risk flocks/herds (vibrio, Chlamydia)Vaccinate replacement females (vibrio, Chlamydia)Purchase maiden ewes/doesFeed ionophore during late gestation (Rx).Feed antibiotic during late gestation (goats, Rx)Good sanitationKeep cats from contaminating feed and bedding

DYSTOCIA (DIFFICULT BIRTHS)

• Disproportionate size Large offspringSmall pelvic opening

• MalpresentationElbow lockLeg(s) backHead backBreech (tail only)Swollen headSimultaneous birthsDead and deformedOther Backwards is also normal.

• RingwombFailure of cervix to dilate

• Assisting with difficult births

• If no progress after 45-60 minutes of hard labor (after water breaks), examine ewe/doe, identify problem (if any), and correct (if necessary).

• Wear gloves or OB sleeves.

• Make liberal use of lubricant.

• Gentle, steady pressure and manipulation.

• After 30 minutes of trying and no progress, call a veterinarian or experienced shepherd for help.

• Give antibiotic after assisted deliveries.

Special case: ringwomb Do not attempt to pull lambs/kidsC-section

VAGINAL PROLAPSE

• Occurs during last month of pregnancy

• Contributing factorsExcessive body conditionMultiple birthsHigh fiber dietsLimited exerciseOvercrowding at feedersPrevious vaginal prolapseGenetic predisposition

• TreatmentReplace after cleaningUse suture, bearing retainer, harness, or truss to hold prolapse in until lambing.

• PreventionProper nutritionAdequate feeder spaceCull affected ewes and don’t save their offspring

UTERINE PROLAPSE

• Occurs immediately after or 12 to 48 hours after parturition.

• Can be life threatening

• Contributing factorsExcessive straining from difficult birthUterine infectionHypocalcemia

• TreatmentWash and replace (administer epidural, Rx)Uterine relaxant (oxytocin, Rx)AntibioticsOkay to keep for another year

MASTITIS - INFLAMMATION OF UDDER

SUB-CLINICAL

• Mostly costly form

• SymptomsNothing obvious, but adverse effects on production.Can detect with SCC and CMT.

CLINICAL

• SymptomsLimpingNo (little) milk: starving lambs, kidsLumps in udderSwelling of udder, “hot” to touchDepression, fever, poor appetiteGangrene, death

• TreatmentSystemic antibioticsIntramammary antibiotics (Rx)

• Cull chronically-infected ewes and does.

RISK FACTORS FOR MASTITIS• Most infections are caused by bacteria:

Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Pasteurella spp., and coliforms (e. coli).

Mastitis is also a common symptom of OPP and CAE.

Predisoposing factors• Stressful conditions (e.g. weather)• Poor sanitation, hygiene• Teat and udder damage• Poor udder conformation• Heavy-milkers, age• Sore mouth• Genetic susceptibility

PREGNANCY TOXEMIA AND MILK FEVER

• Metabolic diseases that commonly affectpregnant and lactating ewes and does.

Pregnancy toxemia Late gestation

Milk feverLate gestation (ewes)Early lactation (does)

• Diseases present with similar symptoms• Can be differentiated by response to treatment:

energy (glucose) vs. calcium.• Early treatment can be successful.• Is usually a flock or herd problem: primarily nutrition

PREGNANCY TOXEMIA (KETOSIS)

• CauseInadequate energy (TDN) in late gestation diet

Low blood glucoseElevated ketone levels in urine

• SymptomsOff feed, lethargyLack of coordination, recumbency

• TreatmentEarly: oral propylene glycol, IV glucoseAdvanced: induce labor, c-section

• PreventionAdequate energy in late gestation dietUsually necessary (advisable) to feed grain, specially to high-producing ewes and does.

MILK FEVER (HYPOCALCEMIA)

• CauseLow blood calcium (Ca)Inadequate Ca in late gestation diet or failure to mobilize Ca reserves (too much Ca in diet).

• SymptomsOff feed, unsteady gaitLegs splayed out

• TreatmentOral, Sub-Q, or IV calcium solution

• PreventionProper amount of Ca in late gestation diet• Sheep: Ca requirements peak in late gestation• Goats : Ca requirements similar throughout gestation.

COMMON DIGESTIVE/METABOLIC DISEASES

•Milk fever

• Pregnancy toxemia

• Acidosis

• Bloat

• Urinary calculi

ACIDOSISGrain poisoning, grain overload, engorgement

• Production of large quantities of lactic acid which lowers rumen pH.

• Caused by rapid fermentation of carbohydrates.

• Associated with feeding grains, pellets, and by-product feeds. Can also occur on rapidly growing pastures and when feeding high quality silage.

• Clinical vs. sub-clinicalAcute clinical - life-threateningMild clinical - depression, diarrhea, bloatSub-clinical - reduced performance, laminitis

• TreatmentRemove grain from ration; feed haySodium bicarbonateAntacids

• PreventionGradual adaptation to high starch dietsDo not crack or grind grainsFeed additives: bentonite, sodium bicarb, limestone, rumen modifiers (ionophores), antibiotics, yeast.

BLOAT

• Caused by an accumulation of gas in the rumen and reticulum; animal unable to belch. There are two kinds of bloat:

• Frothy Caused by diets that promote the formation of froth (foam): legumous forages, wet, grass pastures, cereal grain pastures, garden greens, and grain.

• Free gasCaused by diets that promote excessive free gas production: high-grain diets .

• Abomasal bloat can occur in artificially-reared lambs/kids. It is caused by improper milk feeding.

• SymptomsSeverity varies, can be life-threatening or self-curing.Distended abdomen, swelling on left side

• TreatmentVaries by severityPassage of stomach tube (free gas)Drench with vegetable oil, mineral oil, antacid

• PreventionIntroduce to feed or pasture slowlyFeed dry stemmy hay before allowing access to legume pasturesCommercial bloat preventatives, ionophores, baking sodaProper milk feeding.

URINARY CALCULI (“WATER BELLY”)

• Blockage of urinary tract by calculi (kidney stones)Most common in wethers; intact males also susceptibleCaused by improper feeding (too much phosphorus, P)

• SymptomsRestlessness, anxiety, off-feedAbdominal pain, humped-up appearanceStraining, urine dribblingDistended abdomen, edema

• TreatmentDepends upon location of obstructionAmmonium chloride drench surgeryOften not rewarding

• PreventionFeed a properly balanced ration. Ca: P ratio of >2:1. Adequate forage in dietAdequate water intakeAddition of ammonium chloride to diet

COMMON NEUROLOGICAL PROBLEMSDifferential diagnoses: scrapie, rabies, meningeal worm, pregnancy toxemia, enterotoxemia

LISTERIOSIS (CIRCLING DISEASE)

• Bacterial disease caused by listeria monocytogenes (widespread)Primary source is spoiled feed and forage (especially silage).

• SymptomsInfection limited to one side of brainOne-sided appearance of paralysisDisorientation, drooling, drooping earLean against objects; walk in “circles”Can also cause abortion (zoonotic).

• TreatmentPrompt and aggressive antibiotic therapy: penicillin or tetracycline (Rx).

POLIOENCEPHALOMALACIA (POLIO)

• Disturbance in thiamine metabolism.Commonly associated with high concentrate diets (lower rumen pH), high sulfur diets, amprolium (Corid), and ingestion of thiaminase or thiamine antogonists.

• SymptomsBlindness, star gazing, head pressing

• TreatmentHigh doses of thiamine (Rx).Complete recovery is possible if treatment is initiated in early stages of disease.

INFECTIOUS KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS - PINK EYE

• Infectious and contagious; tends to occur as an outbreak in a flock or herd.

• Many causative organisms. Most common are Chlamydia psittaci ovis and Mycoplasma conjunctivae.

• SymptomsDischarge from eye, wet below eyeAversion towards lightRed and irritated membranesCloudy or opaque membranes

• Treatment Isolation in shady areaAntibiotic therapy: Terramycin® opthamalic, LA-200® (Rx), penicillin (Rx), mastitis treatments (Rx).

• PreventionMaintain a closed flock or herd.Quarantine new animals or those returning from show.

SORE MOUTH (ORF)

• Most common skin problem in sheep/goats.Caused by a virus in pox family.Contagious to other animals and people (zoonotic)

• SymptomsLesions on mouth, nose, feet, limbs, udder, and genital areas.Takes 1-4 weeks for disease to run its course.

• TreatmentUsually unrewardingTreat secondary bacterial infections that may result.

• PreventionMaintain a closed flock or herd.Quarantine new animals and those returning from a show.Once infected, vaccinate to control outbreaks.Where gloves when vaccinating or handling infected animals.

LAST WEBINARTHURSDAY, FEB 207 PM EST

TOPICDISEASE MANAGEMENT