Page 7 - XLEquine - Plan Prevent Protect - Biosecurity Booklet

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Lawsonia: proliferative enteropathy
Disease causing agent
bacteria
Lawsonia intracellularis
Age affected
3-12 months but usually following weaning
Incubation period
not known
Transmission
ingestion of bacteria from faeces
seen in many species including rodents, rabbits, cats and dogs
transmission between species is probable by contamination of paddocks, feed and bedding
Signs you will see
lethargy, poor appetite, weight loss, fever, diarrhoea, colic , fluid swelling of the limbs, sheath and under the
belly
affected foals may not show signs other than a failure to grow and gain weight normally
Diagnosis
identification of thickened loops of intestine on ultrasound scan
identification of the bacteria in faeces
blood test for antibodies
Treatment
antibiotics and supportive care
Prevention
affected foals should be isolated to reduce environmental contamination
good pest control
prevent wild/domestic animals access to feed and bedding areas
Contagious diseases of foals
7
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