Pregnancy toxaemia reminder

The Riverina Livestock Health and Pest Authority vets are issuing a reminder about the risk of pregnancy toxaemia this season following recent cases.

Gabe Morrice, Riverina LHPA district vet based in Narrandera, says she has seen several cases of pregnancy toxaemia, also known as lambing sickness, over the past month in later lambing ewes.

"The affected ewes have been carrying twins or triplets and have been in an over-fat condition. In some cases there has been a reduction in the availability of feed to the ewes, although in other cases the ewes has simply not been able to meet her needs even on very good pasture," said Dr Morrice.

"If producers find ewes that have separated off from the mob and are not eating and drinking in late pregnancy, this is a good indicator of pregnancy toxaemia. As these signs can also indicate other diseases seek veterinary assistance in reaching a diagnosis."

Dr Morrice said the main cause of pregnancy toxaemia is inadequate nutritional energy intake in the last trimester of pregnancy.

"Treatment needs to be given as soon as possible for the best chance of success – this usually involves increasing the circulating blood glucose levels and rehydrating the sheep," she said. 

"In advanced cases treatment is often unrewarding and it is important to see the first few cases as a reminder to put preventative measures in place to avoid further cases.

"Preventive measures are aimed at increasing the nutritional energy levels of the feed being supplied to affected sheep. This is usually achieved by a staged introduction of grain feeding, from approximately 6 weeks before lambing. Ideally, ewes should not reach the last trimester of pregnancy in greater than a body condition score of 2.5.

"Avoid yarding late pregnant sheep unless absolutely necessary and in particular avoid holding them in yards overnight. If other stress factors are present, such as foot abscess, try to implement treatment measures as early as possible to avoid prolonged periods of reduced feed intake."

For more information on the management of pregnancy toxaemia contact your local LHPA district vet.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378