| Information sheets | | | Elsenburg infopaks | | | Animals, diseases: 20 |
ORF
Afrikaans | Xhosa
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Sores, with septic scabs on the mouths of lambs, are usually accompanied by the same sores on the teats of ewes, and are caused by a virus. This infection on a farm is caused by carrier animals. The virus is resistant, so that the area around pens and mangers can remain infected for years.
The pox-like virus penetrates the skin through wounds, and settles superficially. Thorny grazing and conditions likely to damage the skin are contributing factors. Lambs can become infected when they suck on ewes with infected sores on their teats. The lesions may also occur on the inside of the mouths of lambs. Bacterial infection complicates the condition when septic sores and intense inflammation develop. |
A rare form of the condition is the so-called "strawberry foot-rot". In this condition the skin bacteria complicate the pox-like viral infection, resulting in a raw sore that resembles a strawberry on the feet.
Economic losses are caused by a serious loss in condition among the lambs. The cracked lips are painful, and lambs drink feebly. When lesions on the teats get secondary infections, mamilitis and even mastitis may occur, which can impair milk production permanently.
Treatment is aimed at containing secondary infections. Disinfectants such as iodine are suitable, while lanolin keeps the lips of lambs supple and heals small cracks. Therefore a milk ointment that contains both iodine and lanolin is an excellent medium for local application. In acute cases injections of antibiotics may be necessary.
There is a cheap, effective vaccine available which will expedite the recovery of infected animals and prevent the spread to healthy ones.
MP van Aardt
ELSENBURG / SPRINGBOK Veterinary Services
