Sheep and Goats: Winter Disease Management and Prevention Tips

The winter season poses significant challenges to the health of sheep and goats, as the colder months heighten their susceptibility to bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases. Effective disease management and preventive measures are crucial during this period to safeguard livestock health and maintain productivity. This advisory outlines the common diseases prevalent during the winter season, their symptoms, and strategies for effective management.

Common Diseases, Symptoms, and Management

1. Bacterial Diseases

a. Haemorrhagic Septicemia

• Symptoms: Fever, dysentery, swelling of the lower jaw, and sudden death.

• Prevention: Vaccinate animals at 3–4 months of age, followed by a booster dose 3–4 weeks later. Continue vaccination every 6–12 months during September or October.

b. Brucellosis

• Symptoms: Abortion during late pregnancy, infertility, joint swelling, and scrotal swelling in males.

• Prevention: Dispose of infected fetuses and placentas carefully. Use gloves when handling infected materials, as the disease can spread to humans.

c. Pneumonia

• Symptoms: Fever, respiratory distress, nasal discharge, reduced feed intake, weight loss, and coughing.

• Prevention: Ensure animals have clean water and well-ventilated housing.

d. Enterotoxemia

• Symptoms: Sudden death in young animals, mucous diarrhea, and reduced growth.

• Prevention: Vaccinate at 3-4 months of age with a booster after 3–4 weeks. Repeat every 6–12 months.

e. Colibacillosis

• Symptoms: Diarrhea, sudden death, and reduced feed intake in young animals.

• Prevention: Clean and disinfect shelters regularly and provide clean drinking water.

2. Viral Diseases

a. Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR)

• Symptoms: Fever, nasal and eye discharge, respiratory distress, and mouth lesions.

• Prevention: Vaccinate at 3 months of age, followed by annual boosters. Isolate infected animals from healthy ones.

b. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

• Symptoms: Fever, wounds in the mouth and feet, excessive salivation, and difficulty walking.

• Prevention: Vaccinate at 3–4 months of age, with a booster 3–4 weeks later. Repeat every 6–12 months in October and April.

c. Contagious Ecthyma (Khalay)

• Symptoms: Postules, scabs, and lesions around the mouth. Anorexia and licking are common.

• Prevention: Wash affected areas with a 1% potassium permanganate solution. Apply glycerine tincture iodine to lesions.

3. Endo/Ecto-Parasitic Diseases

a. Fluke Infection

• Symptoms: Emaciation, anemia, and lower jaw edema.

• Prevention: Control snails in grazing areas, avoid grazing during early mornings and late evenings, and conduct regular deworming.

b. Tape Worm

• Symptoms: Reduced growth, fever, and mortality in young animals.

• Prevention: Deworm livestock every six months.

c. Round Worm

• Symptoms: Fever, anemia, lower jaw edema, and reduced growth.

• Prevention: Conduct periodic deworming every six months.

d. Coccidiosis

• Symptoms: Brownish diarrhea with blood, anemia, and high mortality.

• Prevention: Maintain clean sheds, use 10% ammonia solution for disinfection, and administer anticoccidial drugs when necessary.

e. Pediculosis (Lice Infestation)

• Symptoms: Reduced growth, skin wounds, and anemia leading to sudden death.

• Prevention: Clean and disinfect animal sheds. Perform pre- and post-winter dipping, especially after shearing.

General Winter Care Tips

1. Housing Management and Isolation:

Ensure animals are housed in well-ventilated but warm shelters. Protect against cold winds and excessive humidity and Isolate sick animals immediately to prevent the spread of diseases

2. Feeding and Hydration:

Provide a balanced diet rich in energy to help animals maintain body heat and ensure clean, lukewarm water is available to prevent dehydration during cold weather.

3. Vaccination and Deworming:

Follow a strict vaccination schedule and deworm animals regularly to prevent infections.

Effective disease management during the winter season ensures the health and productivity of sheep and goats. Early vaccinations, proper hygiene, and timely interventions can significantly reduce the impact of prevalent diseases. By following these best practices, farmers can safeguard their livestock against the challenges posed by winter and enhance their economic returns.