Vet Viewpoint: Monitor livestock health following wet weather

In this round-up of livestock health issues from across the country, representatives from the XL Vets Group highlight a spate of lameness cases in the East Midlands.

There is an increased threat of disease across the country following unseasonably warm, wet weather, with twin lamb disease, environmental mastitis and respiratory problems in youngstock presenting a challenge across the regions from Devon to Scotland. 

Neil Laing, Clyde Vets, Lanark, Scotland

Like much of the country we have seen more rain and flooded fields than anything else in the past month. With the unseasonably mild and wet weather, trying to keep sheds well bedded and cows dry has been a bit of a challenge.

There has been a rise in cell counts resulting in more environmental mastitis than normal.

On the sheep side of the job, the mild weather has meant we are monitoring dung for worm and fluke eggs for longer than we would normally in central Scotland.

See also: Wet summer leads to spike in lungworm risk

There has, fortunately, been little evidence of a fluke problem, but there have been some surprisingly high worm egg counts in replacement and fattening hoggets.

We will continue to ask for samples to be handed in well into February, particularly to monitor fluke presence in the run-up to lambing.

Mike Thorne, Farm Veterinary Solutions, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire

In the East Midlands we have been investigating a lameness problem in a sheep flock which is not typical of any recognised cause and so far nothing conclusive has been diagnosed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (Apha).

As many as five separate farms are infected with most ewes becoming infected over the autumn.

Raised, circular, bleeding, 50p-sized lumps develop mostly above the bulbs of the heels but can be anywhere on the legs or occasionally on the nose or head.

Neither orf virus nor dermatophilus (strawberry foot-rot) have been found on biopsies or swabs, although our suspicions are that it may be atypical contagious ovine digital dermatitis, similar to digital dermatitis in dairy cows.

Fortunately it resolves very quickly with a Lincomycin/Spectinomycin spray and an injection of long-acting antibiotics. Thankfully all ewes have remained in-lamb.

Sam Ecroyd, Tyndale Vets, Dursley, Gloucestershire

Twin lamb disease (pregnancy toxaemia) commonly affects sheep during late pregnancy. Ewes carrying two or more lambs are most at risk, though those carrying large single lambs are susceptible.

Symptoms vary with the severity and stage of the condition. Initial signs include separation from the flock, loss of interest in feeding and apparent blindness progressing to unsteadiness or recumbency.

Losses occur through death of severely affected ewes and the birth of dead or weak lambs.

Treatment requires administration of an energy source, such as oral glycerol and/or propylene glycol or injectable glucose.

See also: Scab outbreak warning for sheep producers

Low calcium decreases the ewe’s ability to produce glucose and inhibits recovery from pregnancy toxaemia, so including calcium in the treatment is vital.

Additional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (Nsaid) injections significantly increase the survival of ewes and their offspring.

Combination energy and calcium drenches alongside Nsaids maximises the chance of recovery.

Sophia Elworthy, Torch Farm Vets, Barnstaple, Devon

We experienced a humid and warm festive period, with daffodils in bloom and storms Desmond and Frank fitting into a short timeline.

This has not helped control respiratory disease in youngstock.

We have seen effective use of individually tailored vaccine programmes but, as with all vaccines, they are no substitution for poor management. Wet bedding and inadequate ventilation (or draughts) will not allow maximum vaccine benefit. 

Addressing calf overstocking (a minimum of 4sq m for every 100kg) helps reduce virus, bacteria or mycoplasma build-up, while monitoring colostrum intake through calf-tracker programmes helps ensure their immune systems are as robust as possible.

It is essential to know what range of infectious agents are around – mycoplasma requires a specific treatment plan with the appropriate antibiotics to tackle it. 

It is important to consult your vet to allow targeted treatment and prevention.