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==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Presentation of lamb dysentery is usually peracute, with sudden deaths occuring before treatment can be implemented. Even if animals are seen in the stages of disease preceeding death, treatment is usually ineffective. Suggested drugs include oral antibiotics<sup>merck</sup> and specific hyperimmune serum<sup>Merck, watt</sup>.
Presentation of lamb dysentery is usually peracute, with sudden deaths occuring before treatment can be implemented. Even if animals are seen in the stages of disease preceeding death, treatment is usually ineffective. Suggested drugs include oral antibiotics<sup>merck</sup> and specific hyperimmune serum<sup>Merck, watt</sup>. Treatment of individual cases of
clostridial disease is usually unrewarding
clostridial disease is usually unrewarding
since the body systems have been
since the body systems have been
veterinary investigation centre, before
veterinary investigation centre, before
further losses occur.
further losses occur.
Control of an outbreak of clostridial
Control of an outbreak of clostridial
disease involves a dual approach of
disease involves a dual approach of
that afflict sheep, the clostridials
that afflict sheep, the clostridials
are the ideal candidates for control by
are the ideal candidates for control by
vaccination.
vaccination
Lamb dysentery can be controlled through vaccination against clostridial diseases. Before ewes enter the breeding flock, they should be given two vaccinations separated by an interval of 4-6 weeks. An annual booster should be given about six weeks before lambing to afford passive protection to lambs until around sixteen weeks of age. Lambs born to unvaccinated ewes should themselves be vaccinated at between 3 and 12 weeks old, with a second injection given at least four weeks later. Good husbandry is also critical to the control of lamb dysentery. Lambing is a particularly important period where supervision and hygiene should be maintainted and adequate colostrum intake should be ensured. Care should be taken when introducing animals to an improved plane of nutrition.
Before the advent of modern vaccines,
Before the advent of modern vaccines,
losses from clostridial diseases could
losses from clostridial diseases could