Disease Challenges in Small Ruminants
What are some common disease challenges in small ruminants?
There are many types of diseases that can affect small ruminant species, including:
- Clostridial diseases (e.g., enterotoxemia type C, salmonellosis, tetanus, soremouth, etc.)
- Parasitic diseases (e.g., tapeworms, roundworms, coccidiosis, etc.)
- Respiratory diseases (e.g., pneumonia, etc.)
- Other bacterial diseases (e.g. foot-rot, etc.)
- Fungal diseases (e.g., mycotoxicosis)
Some of the most economically impactful issues include coccidiosis, scours and respiratory diseases. These illnesses can be detrimental to not only one group of small ruminant animals, but to entire geographical regions. As such, it is vital to take steps to prevent them from manifesting.
How do diseases spread among small ruminants?
Diseases spread among small ruminant animals via the following three methods:
- Direct contact (from animal to animal or through infected manure)
- Indirect contact (with contaminated equipment, people or the environment)
- Vectors (via wild animals, rodents or insects)
Sheep, goats and deer are highly susceptible to several diseases, which means that building their immunity and implementing the proper biosecurity is key for operational success. Monitoring animals and providing them with the proper nutrition is the best defensive strategy to combat the risk of immune system invasion. Additionally, populating the gut with the beneficial bacteria included in pre-, pro- and postbiotics helps balance the gut microbiota and prevent pathogenic organisms from harboring inside the animal while also actively decreasing the amount of open attachment sites within the gut.
Signs of disease in your herd
- Sudden mortality
- Lack of appetite and energy
- Weight loss
- Decreased production
- Lameness
- Lesions
- Diarrhea
3 methods to reduce the incidence of disease
- 1. Monitor your animals to stay aware of any sudden behavioral changes.
- 2. Provide your animals with sufficient nutrients and vaccination programs that are designed to help build their natural defenses.
- 3. Maintain the proper biosecurity measures and housing conditions.