Be on the lookout for caseous lymphadenitis

摘要

The discovery of 85 new cases of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) in sheep flocks last year and more than 18% of terminal sire flocks showing disease in 2001, shows CLA is becoming widespread in the UK The disease has spread mostly within terminal sire breeds of sheep due to the intensive environment in which rams are managed, says SAC vet and CLA specialist, Graham Baird. Tight groups often fed at troughs are the main cause of spread, he adds. "CLA causes abscesses, predominantly forming around lymph glands, particularly in the neck and head region. Anecdotal evidence suggests shearing as the main form of disease spread and while we stress the importance of shearing hygiene, it is not the main cause.