Due to the current conditions within the TFS area some producers are seeing an increase in numbers of lame sheep. A timely reminder from LLS on this topic arrived in the TFS inbox recently and it reported that they have not only had reports of foot abscesses in adult sheep but also in weaner lambs.
Lameness in sheep occurs because of a variety of reasons with one being foot abscesses. Foot abscesses are more common in favourable seasons when stock are in good condition and are continually grazing in long wet grass. The LLS information points out that the high proportion of clover and capeweed in our pastures are contributing to keeping the animals feet wet.
Included in the email from the LLS is a link to the June 2020 edition of the Animal Health Update put out by the South East Local Land Services. This publication includes a section written by the District Vet located at Cooma, Petrea Wait on lameness in sheep and is worth a read for those experiencing these conditions. Petrea’s article is located on page 4 – SELLS-Animal-Health-Update_June-2020_
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