Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Lamb Dysentery Prevention Welfare

Lamb dysentery (Clostridium perfringens type B) causes rapid death in neonatal lambs. Vaccination of ewes provides passive immunity protecting lambs.

Key Facts

Lamb dysentery causes haemorrhagic enteritis and death within hours in neonatal lambs
Clostridium perfringens type B produces toxins causing gut haemorrhage
Clostridial vaccines (8-in-1 or 7-in-1) given to ewes 4-6 weeks before lambing protect lambs
Lambs in contaminated environments without maternal immunity are highly susceptible
The condition has been largely controlled in UK flocks through vaccination

Welfare Considerations

Lambs dying from dysentery suffer acute haemorrhagic gut disease - a rapidly progressive and painful death within hours of birth. Maternal vaccination that provides protective antibodies through colostrum is highly effective and inexpensive. Unvaccinated flocks losing lambs to dysentery experience entirely preventable suffering at the most vulnerable stage of life.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate ewes against clostridial diseases 4-6 weeks before lambing
Ensure lambs receive adequate colostrum in the first 6 hours of life
Maintain clean lambing environments to reduce clostridial challenge
Consult a sheep vet if neonatal diarrhoea or sudden death occurs in lambs