I recently attended the Sheep Veterinary Society’s Annual Conference where joint ill was the hot topic on the agenda. As we approach peak lambing season, it is a good time to think of this disease which has significant economic and welfare challenges for many flocks. Increased lamb losses, poor DLWGs, increased medicine costs and increased labour are all ways in which it can cost the farm. There were three research projects presented and some of the key take home
messages are below:
• 64% of flocks regularly experienced joint ill. It is seen in all flock types and tend to see it later in lambing period, in lambs typically less than 1 month old.
• Cure rates for those treated are poor on lots of farms – with many making poor antibiotic choice and 49% no treating for long enough – speak to your regular vet to review protocols in advance of lambing.
• Known risk factors increasing the risk of a flock having a challenge did depend on where they were lambing. For indoor flocks risk factors included shepherd not washing hands regularly/between lambings. For outdoor flocks, it was not cleaning ear tags before tagging and insufficient provision of shelter i.e. sheep cluster in those limited areas where it is available. Infection is via multiple routes (oral infection and via wounds including navels). The ewe is thought to be the source of infection in 8% of cases wear gloves when lambing.
• The joint ill bacteria are easily found in soil, bedding,lambing trailers, any sheep faeces, on boots and 14% of samples were positive inside and outside.
• We also know that every barn develops ‘high risk’ areas, these are areas with high boot traffic, such as milk prep areas or alleyways between pens. Disinfection
application onto areas in presence of mud or wet straw is likely to be ineffective, so it is important to keep these areas clean and dry and prevent bacterial build up in the first place.
• The key bacteria survived on straw for 14 days (both wet and dry) and 21 days in mud/soil- some fields might be especially affected. It did not survive in wood shavings.
• Using lime on straw/earth in lambing pens was helpful in reducing bacterial load (whether cleaning out pens or not). However, lime needed 20 minutes of contact time to work- so key to make sure you have sufficient lambing pens to allow a 20 minute rest time before you have to rush to bed up on top of the lime.
Whilst there are lots of other changes we can recommend to help control joint ill in your lambs, I recommend going back to basics first and reviewing your hygiene protocols. Are you changing bedding regularly? Are you using disinfectant? And if so, are you using it as instructed? Improving hygiene will also have a knock-on effect too, with navel infections, watery mouth and ewe mastitis levels also likely to be reduced. If you would like advice on joint ill or general lambing-shed hygiene management, why not arrange for a pre lambing visit with your vet and plan ahead?
Written by Imogen Rogers, BVetMed PGDipVCP MRCVS
