Lamb Epididymitis
Ram lambs are subject to an epididymitis that can cause various degrees of
infertility. This is seen in young virgin rams; lambs or yearlings that are
congregated for feeding and before going into a production system. This is
usually diagnosed at the time of the semen evaluation when palpated or
microscopically. With a subclinical ram lamb epididymitis there will be
numerous white blood cells in the semen sample (Figure 1). It may also be
caught by the sifting team at ram sales upon scrotal palpation.
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Figure 1: White blood cells among semen cells.
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There are several organisms which cause epididymitis in ram lambs.
The most common of these being
Histophilus (Hemophilus) somnus, Actinobacillus seminus, and Actinobacillus
actinomycetum-comitans.
These organisms are normal flora of the urethra and prepuce and tend to
infect the epididymis at puberty possibly related to change in hormone levels.
They are not transmitted from one ram to another but occasionally in some groups
of lambs, the incidence of disease can be as high as 20%. Tetracycline’s are
the treatment of choice but must be administered prior to epididymal lesions to
be effective. Some operations use a low level of tetracycline in the feed for
control.
Since treatment can affect the semen quality it is highly recommended to
have a semen evaluation performed on these rams again in 30-45 days post treatment.
If white blood cells persist in the semen sample it should be cultured for further
diagnostics and a Brucella ovis* ELISA serum test as well.
*For further information on Brucella ovis please see the
Ram Epididymitis article on Cleon’s Corner.
Prepared by Cleon V. Kimberling, Gerilyn A. Parsons, Jay Parsons, and
Wayne Cunningham
Optimal Livestock Services, LLC
970-231-2477
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