Veterinary surgeon
Chris Woodroff
XLVets practice
Severn Edge Veterinary
Group
CHRIS WOODROFF,
SEVERN EDGE VETERINARY GROUP
Identify
coccidiosis
to prevent lamb
production losses
Chris Woodroff, veterinary surgeon from
Severn Edge Vets explains that coccidiosis is
a disease that is frequently unrecognised, and
as a result many farmers are not approaching
their vet until clinical symptoms of the disease
are seen.
‘The nature of coccidiosis means that it exists
on most farms at a sub clinical level, where
no overt symptoms are seen,’ he says.
‘We commonly only see cases were lambs
are showing the clinical signs of the disease,
such as scouring and weight loss, by
which time it’s often too late to prevent
production losses.’
By working with their vet to identify the
disease in its early stages, farmers can
pre-empt, and reduce the likelihood of the
detrimental effects caused by coccidiosis
taking hold.
Coccidiosis pathogen
There are 15 species of Eimeria, the parasite
responsible for causing coccidiosis in sheep,
but only two; Eimeria crandallis and Eimeria
ovinoidalis are disease causing.
The main source of the disease is through
the ingestion of infectious oocysts passed by
previously infected animals. ‘Coccidial oocysts
are highly resistant to disinfectants and have
the ability to survive for long periods of time in
the environment,’ says Chris.
‘With a limited number of frosts so far this
year, the build-up of coccidiosis in the pasture
may be more significant than we have seen in
the past, meaning young lambs may be more
exposed to pathogenic coccidiosis.’
In rare instances, it can be as early as 14 to
18 days of age when clinical symptoms are
seen, however, more commonly lambs are at
risk from four to six weeks of age. ‘Treating
before this period can help prevent the disease
taking hold and avoid long term consequences
to growth and development,’ he says.
COCC I D IOS I S
Coccidiosis is one of the most common diseases causing significant
production losses in lambs. As the lambing season approaches,
vets and farmers are warned to be vigilant of the risk of coccidiosis
to young lambs, particularly as mild conditions favour over-wintering
of the disease.
WORKING
TOGETHER
FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE...
17
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