Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is a parasitic intestinal disease that mainly affects young lambs. Symptoms include diarrhoea, poor growth and reduced condition. Good hygiene in the barn and limiting contamination via faeces are important to prevent outbreaks.
Epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD)
EHD is a viral disease similar to bluetongue and is also transmitted by insects. The disease can cause fever, swelling and bleeding. Although it occurs less frequently in sheep than in other ruminants, it can still cause serious health problems.
Skin parasites
Sheep can suffer from external parasites such as lice, mites and ticks. These parasites cause itching, skin irritation and damage to the fleece. In severe infestations, the animal’s condition may deteriorate.
Liver fluke
Liver fluke is a parasite that mainly occurs on wet pastures. The parasite damages the liver and can lead to weight loss, anaemia and reduced resistance. Especially in wet areas, liver fluke can be a major problem.
Gastrointestinal worms
Gastrointestinal worms are common in sheep and can cause diarrhoea, poor growth and anaemia. Lambs are particularly susceptible to worm infections.
A good deworming strategy and regular faecal examinations help to control worm problems.
Myiasis (fly strike)
Myiasis, also known as fly strike, is a serious condition that affects approximately 2 to 5% of sheep each year. It is caused by the larvae (maggots) of the green bottle fly (Lucilia sericata). Regular inspection of the flock, good hygiene and timely shearing can help prevent fly strike.
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect sheep, cattle and pigs. The disease causes blisters in the mouth and around the hooves, making it difficult for animals to eat and walk. Due to the severe economic consequences, strict measures are taken during outbreaks.
Paratuberculosis
Paratuberculosis is a chronic bacterial intestinal infection. The disease leads to weight loss and eventually death. The bacteria can survive in the environment for a long time and mainly spread via faeces.
Q fever
Q fever is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. Sheep can be infected without showing clear symptoms, but the disease can cause abortion in pregnant ewes. The bacterium can also infect humans, so hygiene during lambing is important.
Foot rot
Foot rot is a contagious hoof disease that causes lameness. The bacteria affect the skin between the hooves, leading to pain and inflammation. Wet conditions increase the risk of foot rot.
Regular hoof care helps prevent problems.
Schmallenberg virus
The Schmallenberg virus is transmitted by midges. In adult animals, it usually causes mild symptoms, but in pregnant ewes it can lead to malformed or stillborn lambs.
Maedi-Visna
Maedi-Visna is a chronic viral disease caused by a lentivirus that slowly affects the lungs and sometimes the nervous system. Sheep develop breathing problems and gradually lose weight. The disease spreads through prolonged contact between animals.
Keeping sheep healthy
Many health problems in sheep can be reduced through good management:
- Regular monitoring of the flock
- Good hygiene in the barn and pasture
- Targeted deworming and faecal testing
- Vaccination where possible
- Good hoof care
- Effective pasture management
By recognising early signs and taking preventive measures, many problems within your flock can be avoided.
