Content area
Full Text
I wish to report a condition that has not, to the Veterinary Laboratories Agency's (VLA's) knowledge, previously been described in sheep in the UK.
In May 2005, three yearling Swaledale sheep were presented to VLA - Thirsk for investigation of a severe spinal deformity. They originated from a farm with a large commercial flock of 3000 ewes and a 400-ewe pedigree Swaledale flock, both managed in the same way. No interventions such as worming or vaccinations had been carried out on pregnant animals. Only Swaledale lambs, of both sexes, were affected and this was the first year that the problem had been noticed since the purchase of three purebred Swaledale rams the previous year. The farmer reported higher than usual mortality in neonatal lambs, with some apparently unable to stand to suckle,...