Lung Disease in Lambs

The lungs of newborn lambs are more vulnerable to disease than those of older lambs and adult sheep. Most lung disease in lambs is caused by organisms that are normally present in a herd without causing disease. The lambs' new immune systems make them more vulnerable to infection.

  1. Pneumonia

    • All common lamb lung diseases cause pneumonia.

      All common lung diseases of lambs cause pneumonia. A syndrome rather than a disease itself, pneumonia is a condition where the lungs fill with fluid, which suffocates the victim. Pneumonia can begin with a viral or bacterial infection, parasite infestation, or trauma. Without treatment, pneumonia is fatal to lambs, regardless of its cause.

    Bacteria

    • The mother's first nourishment is called colostrum.

      Pasteurella hemolytica is the bacteria that causes most pneumonia in newborn lambs. This bacteria is naturally carried by adult sheep. It causes disease in the lamb when other factors make the lamb vulnerable. Risk factors are lack of ventilation, dampness and delay in nursing. The first mammary secretion, called colostrum, gives the lamb the antibodies and energy necessary for an immune response. Lambs who are slow to nurse are vulnerable to infection in their first hours of life.

    Viruses

    • Viral infections lead to most pneumonia in older lambs and sheep. They do this by opening the way for secondary bacterial infections. It is these bacterial infections that actually cause the pneumonia. Viral pneumonia may also occur when a virus causes tumors to grow, compromising lung tissue and leading to blood and other fluids in the lungs. Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics. Viral pneumonia and tumors are more challenging and may lead to culling the flock.

    Parasites

    • Lungworms are rare but dangerous to sheep and goats.

      Lungworms are a group of filarial worms (similar to heartworms in dogs) that infect the respiratory systems of sheep and goats. These worms are rare in the United States, but can cause pneumonia or pneumonia-like blockage of the lungs, and infestation may spread through a flock. These worms are removed with ivermectin and other common dewormers.

    Trauma

    • Lambs are delicate and should be handled with care.

      Trauma can cause secondary infections that lead to pneumonia. Ironically, respiratory trauma is frequently caused by handling and equipment in the course of treating lambs for respiratory infections. Syringes and other mechanisms can damage the lamb's throat and nasal tissues. Care and gentle handling should always be used to prevent trauma to lambs.

    Treatment and Prevention

    • It is easier to prevent lung disease than to cure it.

      Lung disease in lambs can be treated by a livestock veterinarian if it is recognized early enough, but the first sign is often a dead lamb. Prevention is much more effective. Protect lambs from infection by quarantining new animals. Do not crowd your sheep. The lower the density of animals, the less chance diseases have of spreading, and the reduced stress will protect your animals' immune systems. Ventilation is the most important factor in preventing lung disease. Sheep, especially during lambing, need a draft-free, well-ventilated space. This area can be open to the elements as long it is dry--sheep do not need to be kept warm. During lambing, be vigilant for lambs who fail to nurse soon after birth, and be ready to supply supplemental ewe colostrum.