Mastitis

Symptoms and Diagnosis 🩺

Acute Mastitis

Acute mastitis often occurs in the first few weeks after lambing and can progress rapidly. Symptoms include:

• Hungry lambs
• High temperature
• Loss of appetite
• Hindlimb lameness or altered gait due to a painful udder
• Hot, hard, swollen udder
• Behavioral changes such as reduced activity or increased vocalization due to pain

Infected ewes may produce a watery liquid instead of milk, which may contain pus or blood. If untreated, the udder can become cold and clammy, and the dead tissue may slough off.

Chronic Mastitis

Chronic mastitis can occur during lactation or at weaning. Symptoms are less obvious and may include:

• Reduced milk yield
• Enlarged, hard, or lumpy udder

This form is often detected during pre-tupping checks when the udder is not full of milk.

Treatment 💊

Early intervention is key to treating mastitis. Treatment options include:

• Antibiotics: Effective against the bacteria causing the infection.
• Fluid therapy: Helps to save the ewe's life but may not save the affected half of the udder.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Reduce pain and swelling, improving the ewe's welfare.

Note that while antibiotics can help, they often do not restore the affected udder to full functionality. Ewes with chronic mastitis are usually culled.

Prevention 🛡️

Hygiene

Maintaining good hygiene in lambing sheds and pens is crucial. Here are some tips:

• Wear gloves and wash hands regularly, especially before handling udders.
• Change bedding frequently and keep conditions clean and dry.
• Provide good shelter for outdoor lambers and avoid dirty lying areas.

Management Practices

Proper management can reduce the risk of mastitis:

• Ensure ewes are at an optimal body condition score at lambing time.
• Check the type and amount of protein in the diet during late pregnancy and early lactation.
• Do not expect a ewe to rear triplets; this can lead to udder damage.
• Implement a good weaning policy to reduce stress on the ewes.

Vaccination

Consider vaccinating against Orf to avoid teat lesions and ensure good fly control. There is also a vaccine available for protection against mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusion

Mastitis is a serious condition that can affect the health and productivity of your flock. By understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures, you can help ensure the well-being of your sheep. Always consult with a veterinarian for the best course of action tailored to your specific situation.