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Clostridial diseases remain a common cause of sudden death in sheep.

All farms have the bugs that cause this group of diseases and in certain conditions the bacteria multiply and produce toxins that kill.

Sheep of any age can be affected by clostridial disease and clostridium perfringens typically causes deaths in young lambs, as it does in calves.

The toxins produced by these bacteria cause severe diarrhoea or brain damage and result in sudden death.

Losses in poorly vaccinated or unvaccinated flocks can be high.

While good vaccines are available, they must be used correctly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions to be effective.

Shepherds will be administering the pre-lambing booster vaccine in the coming weeks.

Read the data sheets now and check the correct dose is given at the correct time before lambing. Avoid giving other treatments at the same time if possible – and do not forget the rams.

Tetanus is also caused by clostridial bacteria. Tetanus leads to an inability to move, muscle spasms, lockjaw and death. Blackleg is caused by clostridium chauvoei infecting muscles. Often the muscle will look very dark when it is cut (hence the name).

Black disease is commonly diagnosed in areas where liver fluke are present.

Clostridium novyi multiplies in the liver when it is already damaged by fluke and kills the sheep.

You should review the options for clostridial vaccination with your vet.

Always investigate sudden or unexpected deaths of sheep.

Your vet may arrange to submit carcases to your local SACC Disease Surveillance Centre for a detailed post mortem examination. Preliminary results are provided within a day of receipt of the carcases.

Sheep of any age can be affected by clostridial disease.