Clinical signs of Foot and Mouth Disease - Sheep
Detecting the disease in sheep
As a keeper of sheep you are often the first person who could be suspicious that your animals are affected and so we are providing this further information to assist you during your inspections. The disease can be difficult to recognise in sheep as sometimes as little as 5% of animals in infected flocks show any signs.
Look for the following signs:- Sudden death in lambs. In several recent confirmed outbreaks the most obvious sign was apparently healthy lambs dropping dead.
- Abortions
- Lameness (this may only last for a short time)
- Listless and off their food
Inspection of sheep
If you are noticing any of the above signs in your flock then you must inspect individual sheep. Make sure you have plenty of light either daylight or a good torch. For each sheep you must examine both mouth and feet. Do not ask another stock keeper to assist you. If you have any concerns contact your local Animal Health Divisional Office.
Mouth
The typical fluid filled blisters are difficult to see as they usually quickly burst. This will leave erosions or ulcers particularly on the dental pad of the upper jaw where the lower front teeth touch the pad. They may also be seen on the gums, lips and tongue and may be very small.
Feet
Foot lesions are less common but as the disease progresses they may become more obvious. Transient lameness will be a sign but you must look carefully for blisters, particularly between the claws, on the heel bulbs and the coronary band. Turn back the hair over the coronary band to check for horn separation. If the blisters have burst then hair may be damp and bacterial infection may be present, as could foot rot. Affected feet may feel hot and painful.
Any suspicion of Foot and Mouth Disease must be immediately reported to you local Animal Health Office.
Page last modified:
26 June, 2008