Arthritis research into lame lambs
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Lamb producers scratching their head over seasonal arthritic lameness in lambs may soon have their questions answered.
Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute veterinarian, Sarah Robson, is looking to crack the mystery behind spring arthritis in lambs - which in severe cases can affected up to 100 per cent of sheep in a flock.
NSW DPI veterinarian, Sarah Robson, says in severe cases arthritis in lambs can affected up to 100 per cent of sheep in a flock.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries research project is in response to concerns from prime lamb producers in southern NSW who are fed up with lame lambs and no real explanation for what causes the problem.
The trial is already underway on a number of properties and according to Ms Robson more properties are welcome to take part in the research.
"Monitoring of properties started at the beginning of spring," Ms Robson said.
"We're investigating arthritis in lambs that is not associated with mulesing.
"Lambs become severely lame and reluctant to move. Their joints swell up and this can lead to permanent damage.
"By monitoring flocks we hope to get an understanding of what is causing arthritis in lambs, particularly at spring time, and whether or not there are management decisions that can be made to minimise arthritis."
The suspect cause of the condition is a micro-organism called Chlamydia, but this has not yet been proven.
"Joint fluid samples from affected lambs are being cultured for a range of micro-organisms, including Chlamydia using the new Chlamydial culturing facility at Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute," Ms Robson said.
"Currently, the condition can be treated using antibiotics, but this requires yarding stock every two days for treatment until the outbreak ceases.
"For sheep producers this is extremely labour intensive.
"The aim of the project is to find a cost-effective alternative that makes preventing arthritis in lambs easy."
Media contacts: Sarah Robson 02 6938 1999 or Brett Fifield 02 6391 3311, 0427 029 511