Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Navel ILL
The term “navel ill” describes infections by any number of organisms that
gain entrance to the lamb's body through the umbilical cord shortly after
birth. These organisms develop into septicemia, a serious illness in which
bacteria invade the bloodstream, usually within a few days.
By treating the umbilical site with strong iodine as soon as possible after
birth and ensuring that the lamb nurses its mother within the fi rst hour
(because the colostrum contains antibodies against many environmental
germs), you can minimize the danger of navel ill. A second dose of iodine
about 12 hours later is a good practice. Clean bedding in the lamb pen also
lessens the chance of infection.
The acute form of navel ill causes a rise in temperature and eliminates the
inclination to suck. A thickening can usually be felt around the navel. Death
follows quickly.
Tetanus is one of the serious diseases that can be caused by a bacillus
that enters through the umbilical site. Certain protection against tetanus is
obtained by vaccinating the ewes.
Since navel ill may be caused by various bacteria, it takes a veterinary diag-
nosis to determine the specifi c cause and to administer the proper antibiotics.
Treatment can consist of IV antibiotics, scour boluses, a tube passed to relieve
bloat, and interperitoneal administration of glucose.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is probably responsible for more lamb deaths than any other sin-
gle cause (except starvation). In some fl ocks this disease can kill 12 to 15 per-
cent of the lamb population. For the most part, pneumonia can be prevented.
It is caused by drafts in cold, damp quarters; by overheating with heat lamps,
followed by exposure to cold; and by exposure to infectious agents. This type
of pneumonia is caused by either bacteria or viruses. Proper management is
the key to successful prevention of pneumonia; adequate ventilation in the
lambing barn is mandatory. Open-sided barns with burlap bags or windbreak
geotextile material, used to create a temporary wall, will prevent drafts and
the buildup of stagnant, ammonia-laden air. Use heat lamps no more than
necessary, and have jugs with solid bottoms to prevent fl oor drafts on the
newborn.
If pneumonia is a recurring problem in your young lambs, make sure that
they are getting adequate amounts of selenium and vitamin E, as marginal lev-
els result in immunosuppression and so increased susceptibility to infection.
