White muscle health survey

18 August 2000




White muscle health survey

A NEW sheep flock health survey has been sent out to NSA sheep producers by the Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics Research Unit at the University of Reading to find out more about white muscle disease.

The disease, which is often caused by acute vitamin E deficiency, results in lambs being born without vigour, says project leader Steve Roderick. Young lambs with the disease often have difficulty standing and can be seen trembling and staggering.

The MAFF funded survey aims to undertake an epidemiology study to establish whether there is any geographical focus and to identify why the condition occurs.

"Hopefully, this will lead to better understanding of the disease and more effective treatment in future," he says.


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