great lakes dairy sheep symposium - the Department of Animal ...
great lakes dairy sheep symposium - the Department of Animal ...
great lakes dairy sheep symposium - the Department of Animal ...
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• Neoplastic tumors<br />
Treatment<br />
• Cull, cull, cull or at least isolate before abscesses rupture<br />
• When isolated, have DVM lance abscesses (or teach you how to do it properly). Wear<br />
gloves and burn abscess pus and material. Flush with dilute iodine or chlorhexadine.<br />
Keep isolated until totally healed. Disinfect pen and equipment with bleach when done<br />
Sheep are still considered contagious as <strong>the</strong>y may have abscesses internally that are<br />
spread through coughing, etc.<br />
Diagnosis<br />
• Culture – take swab from outer edges <strong>of</strong> abscess. Quite easy to isolate in lab.<br />
• Necropsy – take advantage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> death <strong>of</strong> older ewes. Especially thin ones that die from<br />
unknown causes. For a reasonable fee, <strong>the</strong>y can be checked for mineral levels in liver and<br />
kidneys, chronic diseases and parasite loads.<br />
• Serology – can be used as a tool for eradication programs or pre-purchase screens. The<br />
serum is tested for <strong>the</strong> <strong>sheep</strong>’s response to toxins that are released by <strong>the</strong> bacteria. The<br />
results give a range <strong>of</strong> results depending on whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> <strong>sheep</strong> is actively abscessing, has<br />
been exposed but not abscessed, or has never been exposed. This test needs interpretation<br />
and knowledge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> flock history.<br />
Control and Eradication<br />
California <strong>Animal</strong> Health and Food Safety Lab<br />
West Health Sciences Drive<br />
University <strong>of</strong> CA Davis 95616 530-752-7577<br />
• Cull, Cull Cull!<br />
• Vaccinate<br />
- Colorado Serum’s Casebac and Caseous DT work well in eradication schemes.<br />
Vaccinate lambs at weaning (6-8 weeks) with a booster 2-4 weeks later. Repeat<br />
vaccination annually.<br />
• Do not use in pregnant ewes<br />
• Inject subcutaneously behind elbow - will leave permanent knots. Do not inject<br />
anywhere else - Leaves severe swellings.<br />
• Causes lethargy and lameness for 24-48 hours.<br />
• Suggest using at dry-<strong>of</strong>f in ewes – helps to dry-<strong>of</strong>f<br />
- Autogenous vaccines can be made using pure cultures <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> abscess material from<br />
your own <strong>sheep</strong>. I have heard good reports from DVMs who have used Hygieia<br />
Biological Laboratories, California. 888-494-4342. Follow same schedule as<br />
Colorado Serum’s vaccines. Cost is about $1 per dose.<br />
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