A number of cases have been diagnosed around Wagga, Young and Gundagai by our veterinarian team.

Farmers in the west of our region should also watch for symptoms.

To put it simply, M. ovis is transmitted when susceptible animals come in contacted with inoculated blood from an infected sheep - the bacteria then destroys the red blood cells.

Weaner lambs are most at risk, but all sheep are susceptible.

Lambs may have pale gums (anaemic), show yellowing of the whites of the eyes and gums (jaundice) and they may be lying down or appear to be resting, particularly in stressful situations like yarding or loading.

A large portion of the flock may be affected at one time.

Diagnosing this disease really requires a veterinarian (either your private vet or you can contact us) as it is based on marking and mulesing history, a clinical examination of affected lambs, blood smears, and a post mortem if lambs have died.

Most animals recover well if diagnosed correctly and handling is avoided for six weeks.

A diagnosis of infection is best made early. It is best to take a number of blood samples from a cross-section of the flock: about 15 to 20 samples, including healthy ‘non-affected’ animals. 

How can you avoid M. ovis in your flock?

Be vigilant with hygiene at marking, mulesing and shearing time, and make sure stock are on good nutritional feed before any of these procedures take place.

If you would like more information on M. ovis, please contact us.

Our veterinarian team sends a monthly animal health update via email which includes what we’re seeing out and about, warnings of diseases found in the Riverina, and advice for the month ahead.

If you would like to subscribe, please email simone.norrie@lls.nsw.gov.au or call your closest office.