Sheep Meningitis

Meningitis is "an acute infection of the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid," according to Stephanie J. Buchholz RN, MSN of East Central College in Missouri. The meninges is a thin film surrounding the spinal cord and brain. Meningitis and encephalitis--or inflammation of the brain--can occur together in an animal; this is known as meningoencephalitis.

  1. Causes

    • Causes of sheep meningitis include, "bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, rickettsia, parasite migrations, chemical agents, and idiopathic or immune-mediated diseases," according to "The Merck Veterinary Manual." Bacterial meningitis is the type of meningitis most often seen in young lambs two to four weeks of age. Bacterial meningitis begins as an opportunistic infection after which bacteria begin to multiply and attack the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid.

    Symptoms

    • Typical symptoms of sheep meningitis include fever, neck rigidity and muscle spasms. A lamb afflicted with meningitis often cannot stand, does not exhibit a suck reflex and appears weak and depressed. Onset of symptoms can be slow or rapid.

    Diagnosis

    • Meningitis in its early stages can be confused with conditions such as pleuritis, pancreatitis and others. Cerebrospinal fluid collection should be completed if signs suggest meningitis, according to "The Merck Veterinary Manual." Cerebrospinal fluid analysis is the most effective way to identify this condition. Bacterial meningitis is common and should be suspected in lambs deprived of colostrum and born in dirty environments.

    Treatment

    • Treatment almost always includes antibiotics. It is vital to choose those antibiotics which are capable of reaching the brain, according to "The Merck Veterinary Manual." High antibiotic dosages are generally needed to attain the desired effect. Other drugs used include corticosteroids, anti-convulsants and analgesics as needed in individual cases. Drugs used in sheep intended for slaughter must be chosen not just for effectiveness, but also for their appropriateness and safety in animals used as food. Unfortunately, treatment of meningitis in sheep is often unsuccessful, relapses are common and overall response is generally poor.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Due to the poor treatment response rate, prevention is the best method of controlling and preventing meningitis in sheep. Adequate care and nutrition in pregnant sheep help lambs to adapt to their new environment following birth. Dystocia--or difficult birth--is another controllable, contributing factor in the development of bacterial meningitis in young lambs, according to the National Animal Disease Information Service. Maintaining high levels of hygiene also minimizes the spread of infectious diseases.