Sick Sheep

Sheep are like humans: at risk of disease and sickness at all times.  Like humans there are many many diseases varying from birth defects to foot rot to bloat to infections.  Some of the most common problems sheep come to in their life time are Orf, foot rot, prolapse, keds, pneumonia, mastitis and milk fever.
Now what exactly are those things?


-Orf is a disease that effects humans, goats, alpacas, cats, dogs, red squirrels and of course sheep.  Orf in infected sheep causes an outbreak of pustules around the sheep's lips and mouth.  Orf is caused by direct contact with the disease on other animals, people, fences or other carriers.  In some enviroments sheep are infected with Orf by scratching their noses on thistles that carry Orf.  The treatment of Orf is usually time because most sheep will cure themselves within the first week of breakout.  Some shepherds may use antibiotic spray on the large scabs.

-Foot Rot is another disease that causes the foot to rot between the two toes of the sheep.  It is extremely painful and contagious for the sheep.  There are many medications for shepherds and if they do not treat soon they will have a herd full of foot rot!  The cause of foot rot is usually an injury to the bottom of the foot that allows for bacteria to enter and flourish.

-Keds are little parasites that live in the wool of the sheep feeding on the sheep's blood.  The treatment can be shearing, dipping or spraying the keds.


A farmer must stay aware at all times so he can keep his herd healthy and disease free!