The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: laurelrus on February 11, 2015, 01:49:42 pm
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We have (just three) Ouessants and for the first time I took a sample to the vet this morning to check the worm count and the vet's just called to give me the result.
She said there's no need to worm them at the moment but there was some coccydia in the sample (may not be spelt correctly).
She said to keep an eye on them, make sure they're not straining to 'go' and if there is a problem she'll give me medication to give them.
I'd really appreciate any information or advice about this as we're new to sheep keeping and I want to make sure I do the right thing for them.
thanks very much
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Coccidiosis is caused by infection from a protozoa which parasitises the gut lining. It will cause weight loss, profuse diarrhoea and slow growth. Usual treatment is with Vecoxan although there are others. Lambs will have pciked it up from the older sheep, often in muddy areas around feed troughs. Moving troughs regularly helps prevent it.
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There are 9 species of coccidia that live in sheep's guts, and only one that really causes disease. If the vet has said keep an eye on them then it may be there was a low count, and if they are not unwell they may well be infected with one of the harmless ones. Sounds like your vet is very helpful, keep getting the advice and faecal samples done and you'll keep wormers effective in your wee flock for some time to come.