The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Tam on May 03, 2015, 08:04:32 pm

Title: How do you treat orf in lambs?
Post by: Tam on May 03, 2015, 08:04:32 pm

I've just searched the accidental smallholder forum for any threads on orf in lambs and can't find anything.  I realise orf is a viral disease in sheep and is quite common, but there must be something I can do to help the lambs - I'm sure once before I have bought a salt lick to help the lambs get rid of it.  Does anyone have any advice please?


Tam

Title: Re: How do you treat orf in lambs?
Post by: twizzel on May 03, 2015, 08:18:24 pm

Ours were isolated, given a course of pen&strep in case of secondary infection. Mouths sprayed with alamycin spray however after about a week we stopped doing this and let the virus just run its course. Orf paste is quite good but difficult to apply. It didn't affect our tame lambs from drinking, in fact the 3 biggest lambs were the ones that got the virus. Vaccinated the other 4 in the pen with scabivax. In the end we just kept handling to a minimum, made sure they were drinking ok and left them be.  Make sure you wear gloves!

Title: Re: How do you treat orf in lambs?
Post by: Tam on May 03, 2015, 08:25:12 pm

I haven't logged on to the AS forum for a while - and I really don't know why!! It's the best forum there is. Thanks.

Title: Re: How do you treat orf in lambs?
Post by: Me on May 03, 2015, 08:32:32 pm

There is nothing you can do to treat it. I can tell you from recent experience. IF you get secondary infection in an individual antibiotics may be needed.

Title: Re: How do you treat orf in lambs?
Post by: Marches Farmer on May 03, 2015, 08:51:59 pm

Watch they don't nfect the ewes' teats - orf will make them sore and unwilling to let the lambs suckle.

Title: Re: How do you treat orf in lambs?
Post by: ZaktheLad on May 03, 2015, 09:38:56 pm

A frobut tubby (tub orf spelt backwards!) does an excellent job of clearing up orf very quickly.  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: How do you treat orf in lambs?
Post by: moony on May 03, 2015, 09:52:02 pm

Whatever you do don't get it on your hands. I have three bits, one which is very sore and what looks to be another few coming on the other hand. There is sadly no danger whatsoever of me doing any tupping for a good while.

Title: Re: How do you treat orf in lambs?
Post by: Porterlauren on May 03, 2015, 09:56:54 pm

Salt lumps.

Title: Re: How do you treat orf in lambs?
Post by: Herdygirl on May 03, 2015, 10:05:05 pm

Quote from: moony on May 03, 2015, 09:52:02 pm

Whatever you do don't get it on your hands. I have three bits, one which is very sore and what looks to be another few coming on the other hand. There is sadly no danger whatsoever of me doing any tupping for a good while.

 :roflanim: :roflanim: :roflanim:

Title: Re: How do you treat orf in lambs?
Post by: Tam on May 03, 2015, 10:30:56 pm

Thank you to all - firstly, how would I know if there was a secondary / bacterial infection on top of the viral?  Also I will see if I can find a good tubby / salt block - which is sort of what I was struggling with - I'll do some more searching...  Finally, I wish you all the best Moony!  :hshoe:

Title: Re: How do you treat orf in lambs?
Post by: landroverroy on May 03, 2015, 10:45:14 pm

Salt and sulphur (powder or flowers of sulphur) mixed in equal quantities. Place in a handy container and they'll help themselves. Sorts it in a couple of weeks and stops it spreading.
I couldn't believe that a search didn't bring up loads of posts on orf, as it comes up with monotonous regularity each year at lambing time. But you're quite right - a search reveals - nothing. :thinking:  Anyone know why? ??? 

Title: Re: How do you treat orf in lambs?
Post by: Tam on May 03, 2015, 10:54:53 pm

Thank you.  Where would be the best place to try and get sulphur powder / flowers from?