Sheep Illness -

This part of the site is dedicated to the common things seen in a typical small flock.

Warning - If you have a serious issue

                    . . . . consult a local Veterinarian.

For more research I'd suggest several places to start researching somthing not covered here:

The Merck Veterinary Manual

New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)

Maryland Small Ruminant Page (Many other links found here)

Sheep 201

Just like people, there are a wide assortment of mild (some serious) problems and illnesses that you'll experience in your flock from time to time. You might see foot problems, dierreah, colds and viruses, fungus, communicable diseases from sexual contact or other body fluids, or simply eating too much of a good thing. Most problems may be nothing to worry about but others might kill.

The first step to a healthy flock is good nutrition. The next thing is a watchfull shephard -- You. Even though I can let my sheep graze for 100% of their needs I still feed my sheep; a little. Feeding them regularly lets me inspect my flock daily and learn their behaviors. If a sheep is struggling (Holding back, not eating, keeps himself/herself away from the rest of the flock, or acts lathargic) then that's the time you should either pull the sheep into it's own place to recover and/or take a closer look by capturing it and looking it over.

Scabby Mouth - Sore Mouth - ORF - Contagious Ecthyma

Basics:

Typically enters into a sheep, normally lambs, through open cuts caused by eating thistles, nettles, or other thorny plants. Virus tends to spread quickly to other lambs who attempt to nurse from infected ewes or contaminated utters. Visible symptoms are witnessed on the hairless parts of the anatomy such as the mouth, nose, eyes, ears, utters, fetlock (next to hoof), and tail area/s.

Non-Lethal

Virus - No treatment, Vaccine available.

Contagious to Humans -- WEAR GLOVES.

Contagious to entire flock.

Secondary health effects could result from bacterial infections of open wounds or cause infected ewes to kick off nursing lambs due to painful sores on utters (If present).

Heals in 2-4 weeks

Pertinent Articles:

http://www.sheepandgoat.com/articles/soremouth.html

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/orf_virus/

http://www.microbelibrary.org/Virus/details.asp?id=2404&Lang=

http://www.wc.adfg.state.ak.us/index.cfm?adfg=disease.skin1

http://www.spah.co.nz/product_detail.html?pi=70