Nervous system disorders in young sheep and goats

1. Clostridial encephalitis (Clostridium perfringens Type D)

What is it: A toxin that damages the brain, most common in lambs and kids with a sharp increase in food intake.

Symptoms:

Unsteady gait

Tremors

Twitches

Seizures

Rapid death

Prevention:

Clostridia vaccine (Abisol/Clostridium 7–8 WAY)

Gradual transition to a rich food

2. Listeriosis (Listeria monocytogenes) – inflammation of the brain and brainstem

More common in adults but also occurs in young people.

Typical symptoms:

Head tilt

Loss of balance

Circling

Partial facial paralysis

Prevention:

Avoid feeding sour hay/spoiled silage

Food and water hygiene

3. CAE – Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (in young goats)

Only in goats, usually at 2–6 months of age.

What it is: A virus that causes encephalitis and paralysis of the hind limbs.

Symptoms:

Weakness and hindlimb paralysis

Difficulty standing

Tremors

Prevention:

Feeding kids with pasteurized colostrum

Manage a virus-free herd

4. Scrapie – Prion disease (rarely seen in young animals)

Very rare in young animals, but possible if there are genetic risk factors.

Symptoms:

Severe itching

Behavioral changes

Nervous weakness

Prevention:

Selecting herds with genetic resistance (RR/QR)

5. Meningitis / Septicemia – inflammation of the meninges due to a general infection

Common in suckling calves/kids with a weak immune system.

Causes: Umbilical infection, poor hygiene, lack of colostrum.

Symptoms:

High fever

Stiff neck

Seizures

Unresponsiveness

Prevention:

Environmental cleanliness

Umbilical disinfection

Sufficient quality colostrum

6. PEM – Polioencephalomalacia (polioparesis/thiamine deficiency)

Common in young people due to dietary changes.

What it is: Brain damage due to vitamin B1 deficiency or excessive production of sulfur in the stomach.

Symptoms:

Sudden blindness

Unsteady gait

Spasms

Head tilted back (stargazing)

Prevention:

Avoidance of sulfur-rich foods

Gradual transition to concentrated foods

7. Parasites that affect the nervous system – Parelaphostrongylus tenuis

Rare in Israel but exists worldwide.

Symptoms:

Asymmetrical nerve weakness

Abnormalities in walking

Partial paralysis

Prevention:

Prevent contact with deer/wild animals that carry the disease

8. Traumatic injuries and mineral deficiency (copper) with neurological signs

Copper deficiency in young people can mimic neurological problems.

Symptoms:

Weakness

Standing problems

Tremor

Prevention:

Copper supplements according to risk (excessive caution!)

When do you need a vet immediately?

    •   Seizures

   •   Sudden blindness

   •  Inability to stand

   •  Recurrent convulsions

   •  High fever + neurological signs

   •  Sudden loss of consciousness

*It is always advisable to consult a qualified veterinarian.