Veterinary advisor for NADIS, Phoebe McCarter stated coccidiosis is spread through environmental contamination, which is affected by adverse weather conditions. Lambs are at the highest risk between four and eight weeks old.
McCarter said: “Lambs take in coccidiosis-causing eggs, called oocysts, orally. The oocysts hatch and multiply in the gut, damaging the lining, with millions then being shed out in faeces, further spreading the disease and continuing the cycle.
“Cold, wet and windy conditions can increase the stress associated with turnout, making lambs more vulnerable to developing disease. Muddy conditions also increase the risk of drinking water being contaminated with faeces, meaning lambs can take in more oocysts, speeding up the cycle and increasing the chance of infections.”
McCarter recommended grouping animals by age to reduce the risk of younger animals picking up the infection from older lambs. She also stated to look out for growth rates, loss of appetite and weight loss amongst lambs.