Protecting Precious Lambs

Published on: Feb 13th, 2017

Lambing is the busiest time of year for sheep farmers. As farm vets we try to help as much as we can with any problems sheep farmers encounter and a common problem, we see at this time of year is ewes losing their lambs due to infections in pregnancy. 

A farmer called us last week worried because several of his ewes had lost their lambs. We decided to take the lambs to Bristol University for a postmortem examination to find out what had caused the abortion. There are several common infectious causes of abortion in sheep, some of which can be treated or prevented. 

The postmortem results came back as positive for Toxoplasmosis. We then blood sampled several other sheep in the flock and found many other ewes had been infected with Toxoplasma.  Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a small parasite that is shed by young cats. Sheep get infected by ingesting food or water contaminated by cat faeces containing the parasite. It only takes a very small amount of infected faeces to infect a ewe. Once infected a pregnant ewe will either abort her lambs or give birth to ill or still born lambs. 

Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for Toxoplasma; however, there is a vaccine that works very well to prevent disease in the future. The farmer in question has decided to vaccinate his flock to prevent any losses next year. Toxoplasma can also infect pregnant women, so it is very important that pregnant women do not encounter sheep around lambing time. 

 At this time of year pregnant ewes and ewes with lambs are very vulnerable.  If you are out and about, please keep your dogs on a lead near sheep and do not get too close. 

Lambing time although busy, is also one of the best and most rewarding times in the sheep farmer’s calendar.  Seeing the lambs born, standing for the first time and watching them learn to play is one of the best parts of the job! 

Farm Vet Kate 

As farm vets, lambing season is a critical time for us, as we work hand in hand with sheep farmers to ensure the well-being of their flocks. Unfortunately, infections during pregnancy can lead to ewes losing their lambs, causing distress and concern among farmers. Recently, we encountered a farmer worried about multiple ewes experiencing abortions. To uncover the cause, we conducted post-mortem examinations at Bristol University, revealing that Toxoplasmosis was responsible for the losses.

If you have any concerns or need guidance regarding the health of your flock, do not hesitate to reach out to us at Shepton Vets. We are committed to working together to protect and nurture the future generations of these beautiful creatures. Let’s make this lambing season a successful and joyful one for all! 

If you are a sheep farmer preparing for lambing season or concerned about the health of your flock, contact Shepton Vets today. Our experienced team is here to provide comprehensive care, including vaccination against Toxoplasmosis to safeguard your ewes and lambs. Let’s work together to create a healthy and thriving environment for your flock. Call us now to schedule a consultation!