Mastitis in Sheep and Goats

Abstract

Mastitis is an important desease of sheep and goats because it decreases the amount and quality of the milk produced by a dairy animal and reduce weight gain in lambs and meat kids. It can also affect the animals well-being. Mastitis is an inflammation of the udder most commonly caused by and infection in sheep, goats it is considered to be one of the principal reasons (along with lameness) for the culling of ewes. Clinical and sub-clinical mammary infections are considered a welfare issue and the primary cause of milk drop syndrome in ewes.

In dairy sheep flocks mastitis has obvious financial implications due to the reduction in milk yield, milk quality and rejection of milk if antibiotics are administered. Nevertheless mastitis is also important in meat production flocks as a reduction in milk can cause sub-optimal growth of lambs. Other costs include replacement ewes and vet expenses.