Respiratory infections and breathing issues in sheep are often the result of a cumulative effect.
It is rarely down to a single culprit; usually, it is a combination of pathogens and environmental (stress) factors.
Respiratory infections are a common problem that can range from a mild cold to acute, fatal pneumonia.
Below is a brief overview of the causes, symptoms, and the recommended plan of action.
CAUSES AND KEY PATHOGENS:
Respiratory issues often arise from a combination of bacteria, viruses, and environmental factors (such as stress or a poor stable climate).
Pasteurellosis (Summer Pneumonia):
Caused by bacteria such as Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida. This is one of the most common and dangerous forms of pneumonia in both lambs and adult sheep.
Mycoplasma:
These bacteria can cause a chronic cough and generally make animals more susceptible to secondary infections.
Maedi-Visna (MV):
A viral process that leads to a slow, progressive form of pneumonia in older sheep.
SYMPTOMS:
Signs vary depending on the severity of the infection and are therefore not always straightforward:
General: Fever, lethargy, and reduced appetite.
Breathing: Rapid or labored breathing, coughing, and nasal discharge (often mucus).
Acute form: In a severe outbreak of pasteurellosis, animals may drop dead suddenly without any prior symptoms.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT:
Always consult your veterinarian! Even for an expert, establishing the correct diagnosis is often difficult. This is primarily because:
Symptoms are deceptive: The outward signs of respiratory infections are often unclear. You don’t always hear abnormal sounds or see irregular breathing, even if the lungs are already affected by, for example, abscesses.
Post-mortem requires speed: If an autopsy (necropsy) is needed, time is of the essence. Certain bacteria (like Pasteurella) disappear quickly from a carcass. Therefore, a post-mortem is only useful for animals that have died very recently. These bacteria are highly sensitive and usually die within a few days of the host's death unless the carcass is kept extremely cold.
ULTRASOUND CAN SPEED UP DIAGNOSIS:
A lung ultrasound on suspected or sick animals often provides a much clearer picture. You are literally looking "under the skin" of the animal. This supports auscultation (using a stethoscope to listen to internal body sounds to assess organ health).
TAKING SWIFT ACTION:
- Identify the cause: Pay attention to the smallest details and rule nothing out.
- Investigation: Through pathological examination or bronchoalveolar lavage (lung flushing), animal health services can determine which pathogen is the culprit. This allows for targeted treatment.
- Antibiotics: Effective against bacterial infections. Drugs such as oxytetracycline (broad-spectrum) or tulathromycin (macrolide) are frequently used.
- Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): These help suppress fever and pain, which improves the animal's well-being and speeds up recovery.
PREVENTION IS THE BEST APPROACH:
In sheep farming, prevention is always more cost-effective and better than a cure. "A sick sheep is a dead sheep," is a common saying.
While we cannot prevent everything, significant results can be achieved by focusing on the following:
Vaccination: Effective vaccines are available against the main causes, including pasteurellosis.
Management: Ensure good ventilation, avoid overcrowding, and minimize stress (apply Low Stress Stockmanship principles).
Health Planning: Work with your vet on an integrated health plan. This includes vaccination, but also expert deworming and hoof care.
The goal is to maintain the immunity of your flock and the enjoyment of sheep farming.
Source photos Marga Fogt