Pneumonia in Sheep and Goats

Pneumonia is common in Australian sheep and goats.

Sheep, goats, and other ruminants are anatomically predisposed to pneumonia through the rumen pressing on the diaphragm, resulting in shallow breathing.

Pathogens commonly involved in pneumonia in sheep and goats include the bacteria Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida and two viruses, Parainfluenza-3 Virus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

My research has revealed widespread infection with Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and lower levels of infection with Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Parainfluenza-3 Virus in Australian sheep with pneumonia.

Signs of pneumonia in sheep and goats include coughing, runny nose, runny eyes, mouth breathing, labored breathing, poor growth rates and death.

Lambs and kids may develop swelling of the knee (carpal joints) and cloudy eyes (anterior uveitis).

Ewes and does with sub-clinical, untreated pneumonia are more likely to develop mastitis.

When detected early, treatment can be implemented.

I offer two Sheep and Goat Pneumonia Testing Packages, one for use with nasal swabs collected from live animals and one for use with bronchial swabs collected at necropsy.