The response to the question on “What could be the cause of fur loss in Lambs which eventually leads to death?” is the following:
In fact there are a number of factors that could lead to fur loss also known as “alopecia” in lambs. The most common ones under Malawi conditions include parasitic infestation eg Mange, fleas etc and fungal infections. Hormonal imbalance could also in some cases lead to alopecia (fur loss). But also if the lambs are continuously kept/sleeping in wet pens/environment the fur loss may also be experienced.
The parasitic infestation may lead to anaemia as the parasites feed on lambs’ blood and again as the parasites live and feed on the lambs they are irritants to the hosts (lambs) and the lambs become uncomfortable/restless hence they are mostly off food as they spend much of their time scratching their bodies. The more they are restless the more they are off food and the more they lose body condition (they become malnourished) and then that may also lead to anaemia.
Following all these possible situations mentioned above (parasitic infestation, fungal infections, malnourishment and poor living environment) other opportunistic diseases and conditions (secondary infections) may also come in and contribute to worsen the lambs’ conditions.
This anaemic condition resulting from parasites feeding on lambs’ blood and malnourishment due to reduced feeding resulting from the restlessness (irritation) can indeed eventually lead to lambs’ deaths!
The advice herein given to alleviate the situation is that the farmer should:
Consult the nearest available veterinary staff who should visit the farm and clinically examine the flock for possible clinical condition(s) that may be diagnosed. The environment should also be assessed.
He/she (veterinary staff) should also collect some specimen and submit to veterinary laboratory for diagnostic investigation and confirmation of the condition.
The immediate treatment to be given by this veterinary staff should include broad-spectrum antiparasitic drugs.
The affected lambs should also be considered for special feeding to improve their nutritional status to prevent anaemia.
Improved nutrition may also improve on functioning of various body systems including hormones.
Good living environment should also be maintained by the farmer.
Thanks.
Cde MITTAWA.
PRINCIPAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT OFFICER.
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HEALTH AND LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT, LILONGWE.
Answers
Dear AFAAS Site Moderator,
The response to the question on “What could be the cause of fur loss in Lambs which eventually leads to death?” is the following:
In fact there are a number of factors that could lead to fur loss also known as “alopecia” in lambs. The most common ones under Malawi conditions include parasitic infestation eg Mange, fleas etc and fungal infections. Hormonal imbalance could also in some cases lead to alopecia (fur loss). But also if the lambs are continuously kept/sleeping in wet pens/environment the fur loss may also be experienced.
The parasitic infestation may lead to anaemia as the parasites feed on lambs’ blood and again as the parasites live and feed on the lambs they are irritants to the hosts (lambs) and the lambs become uncomfortable/restless hence they are mostly off food as they spend much of their time scratching their bodies. The more they are restless the more they are off food and the more they lose body condition (they become malnourished) and then that may also lead to anaemia.
Following all these possible situations mentioned above (parasitic infestation, fungal infections, malnourishment and poor living environment) other opportunistic diseases and conditions (secondary infections) may also come in and contribute to worsen the lambs’ conditions.
This anaemic condition resulting from parasites feeding on lambs’ blood and malnourishment due to reduced feeding resulting from the restlessness (irritation) can indeed eventually lead to lambs’ deaths!
The advice herein given to alleviate the situation is that the farmer should:
Consult the nearest available veterinary staff who should visit the farm and clinically examine the flock for possible clinical condition(s) that may be diagnosed. The environment should also be assessed.
He/she (veterinary staff) should also collect some specimen and submit to veterinary laboratory for diagnostic investigation and confirmation of the condition.
The immediate treatment to be given by this veterinary staff should include broad-spectrum antiparasitic drugs.
The affected lambs should also be considered for special feeding to improve their nutritional status to prevent anaemia.
Improved nutrition may also improve on functioning of various body systems including hormones.
Good living environment should also be maintained by the farmer.
Thanks.
Cde MITTAWA.
PRINCIPAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT OFFICER.
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HEALTH AND LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT, LILONGWE.