Pneumonia infections in sheep

Pneumonia infections in sheep may present in some cases as chronic or acute symptoms resulting in

death.

More often, young and unvaccinated sheep that have not been vaccinated for some period, may become infected. Poor hygiene conditions may often also have an additional impact in this condition. 

Certain conditions e.g. weaning, transportation, exposure to infected animals in feedlot conditions may cause stress and result in “losses” due to this disease complex.

Diagnosis:

Generally, diagnosis is conducted when deaths occur. A veterinary conducted post mortem may indicate a case of pneumonia. Ideally samples should also be sent to a veterinary pathology laboratory. Diagnosis will often be made with bacterial cultures, tissue sectioning for histopathology and circumstantial history.

Prevention:

The vaccination of all sheep of the correct “responsive” age, approximately 2-3 months should be

conducted.