Disease Challenges in Small Ruminants
What are some common disease challenges in small ruminants?
There are many types of diseases that affect poultry 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 diseases include coccidiosis, scours and respiratory diseases. These diseases 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 small ruminant diseases spread?
Small ruminant diseases are spread via one of 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 very susceptible to several diseases, which makes building their immunity and implementing the proper biosecurity key to operational success. Monitoring the animals and providing them with the proper nutrition will help provide the best defense against the risk of immune system invasion. By populating the gut with beneficial bacteria and decreasing the amount of open attachment sites within the gut, pre-, pro- and postbiotics contribute beneficial components that help balance the gut microbiota and prevent pathogenic organisms from harboring inside birds.
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 and be aware of sudden behavioral changes.
- 2. Provide your animals with sufficient nutrients and vaccination programs designed to help build their natural defenses.
- 3. Maintain the proper biosecurity and housing conditions.