Many sheep farmers in our country encounter various sheep diseases during the process of raising sheep, among which contagious ecthyma is one. Contagious ecthyma, also known as "soremouth," is an infectious disease in sheep and goats caused by a virus. Let's learn about the causes and treatment methods of contagious ecthyma.
Causes and Treatment of Contagious Ecthyma
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Main Symptoms: Contagious ecthyma mostly occurs in spring and autumn, mainly affecting sheep aged 3-6 months, although adult sheep can also be infected but less frequently. Infected sheep and carriers are the main sources of infection. The main symptom in infected sheep is lip infection.
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Causes of Infection: Sheep themselves generally do not produce this virus. The main mode of transmission is through contact between sheep flocks. Sheep of relatively young age are more susceptible, while adult sheep generally have some resistance. Contagious ecthyma is essentially a viral disease with strong transmission capabilities, spreading through various means such as water sources and insects.
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Preventive Measures:
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Protect skin and mucous membranes from injury.
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Avoid importing sheep and their products from epidemic areas. Newly imported sheep should be quarantined and observed for at least half a month before mixing them with the herd.
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In endemic areas, immunize sheep with a weak strain of the contagious ecthyma vaccine.
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Treatment Methods:
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Isolate infected sheep and thoroughly disinfect pens and exercise areas.
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Provide infected sheep with soft, easily digestible, palatable feed and ensure an adequate supply of clean drinking water.
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Remove scabs from the lips of infected sheep, thoroughly clean the wounds with saline solution or 0.1% potassium permanganate solution, then apply gentian violet or iodine glycerin to the wounds, 1-2 times a day, until recovery.
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Medical treatment: Use Virkon S and potassium or sodium penicillin together, once daily for 2-3 treatment courses.
Above are the key points for preventing and treating contagious ecthyma in sheep. Sheep farmers should promptly treat their sheep if they notice these symptoms.
