Ram Epididymitis - East Friesian Dairy Sheep - Karras Farm

Recently, there has been heightened awareness of Ram Epididymitis, a disease caused by one of several different organisms which damage sperm producing tissue. The infection is well under way and contagious prior to external symptoms showing in physical examinations. Symptoms can include swelling of the Epididymitis, located at the base of the testacies, and the presence of hard lump tissue can indicate the disease is already in an advanced state. In some cases the ewe may become infected resulting in abortions, still births and weak lambs. It is more commonly contagious from ram to ram  but can be transmitted through a ewe who has recently been serviced by a ram. Vaccination has not yet proved highly successful. Early extensive monitoring of your sheep and rapid isolation could save your valuable animals.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Independance Day!

God bless
Andy Karras
Karras Farm Inc.
http://karrasfarm.com
http://eastfriesiansheep.com
http://awassisheep.com
andy@karrasfarm.com

Mechanical Pneumonia in Sheep

Mechanical or “foreign body” pneumonia results when fluids or objects enter the lungs, such as excessive birth fluids or milk in the lungs of lambs. An abnormal birth position or any interruption of the umbilical blood supply to the lamb results in an oxygen deficiency. This in turn stimulates the respiratory reflex and causes the lamb to attempt breathing prior to birth.  The respiratory reflex causes inhalation of excessive fetal fluids resulting in mechanical pneumonia. Forced bottle feeding of as lamb with impaired sucking reflex, improper stomach tubing or oral medication may also allow fluid to enter the lungs. There is no cure for mechanical pneumonia.

Sincerely,

Andy Karras - Owner
http://karrasfarm.com
http://eastfriesiansheep.com
http://awassisheep.com
karrasfarm@gmail.com

East Friesian Sheep For Sale - Assaf Sheep For Sale

Karras Farm is now taking deposits for East Friesian Sheep and Assaf F1Sheep.

Karras Farm offers some of the very best dairy sheep genetics available in the United States. Over many years of cultivating highly sought after dairy sheep characteristics, Karras Farm has become a leading provider of dairy sheep in the United States.

Please take a moment to view our blogs and website. We are here to help with all your dairy sheep questions, so feel free to call or email us if we can assist you in any way.

Sincerely,

Andy Karras - Owner
http://karrasfarm.com
http://eastfriesiansheep.com
http://awassisheep.com
karrasfarm@gmail.com

East Friesian Sheep For Sale at Karras Farm

Karras Farm is now taking deposits for East Friesian sheep and our Assaf F1 ram lambs.

We have posted some photos below of our prized East Friesian blood line.

  Karras Farm Inc. http://karrasfarm.com http://eastfriesiansheep.com http://awassisheep.com karrasfarm@gmail.com







Awassi Sheep Are Here In The USA!!

Karras Farm has just announced our Awassi sheep program in the United States.
Please visit the link below for details regarding the Awassi sheep announcement.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/1/prweb10278968.htm

Blackleg in Sheep

Blackleg

Blackleg (c.chauvoie) and ,malignant edema (c.septicum) are other clostridial diseases that more frequently occur in cattle but can also affect sheep. Tetanus (c.tetani) is yet another clostridial disease that is always a threat during tail docking or when open wounds are present.

Excellent vaccines are available for these diseases if they are known to cause problems for sheep in your location. Clustridial vaccines with up to 7 or 8 antigens are available for use in sheep and can be used on the same schedule as described for enterotoxaemia.

Andy Karras - Karras Farm

http://eastfriesiansheep.com
http://awassisheep.com
http://karrasfarm.com
andy@karrasfarm.com

Livestock Pinkeye (Keratoconjunctivitis)

Pinkeye is an inflammation of the surface of the eye and of the inner surfaces of the surrounding conjunctival tissue. This often produces redness in the tissue, hence the name.

Pinkeye may affect one or both eyes. Redness and swelling of the tissue surrounding the eye and excessive tears are noticeable side effects. Pinkeye is often caused by a Chlamydial agent, but may be caused by bacteria or mycoplasma organisms as well.  If left untreated, it may damage the cornea by ulceration; this can lead to permanent blindness. Pinkeye can spread by direct contact or via flies. Reported outbreaks have affected over 90% of the flock.  

Treatment: Tetracycline antibiotic ointment is placed in the eye everyday for several days. The Chlamydial agent in pinkeye is especially sensitive to this drug. Sever outbreaks may require the subconjunctival injection of antibiotics by a veterinarian to provide more prolonged treatment. If the lower lid rolls in directly onto the eye, it must be corrected by a veterinarian before causing permanent damage to the cornea.

Separate infected animals, reduce dust and control flies to reduce new cases.

Andy Karras
Karras Farm
http://eastfriesiansheep.com
http://awassisheep.com
http://karrasfarm.com
andy@karrasfarm.com