Lambing sickness and milk fever in ewes

Lambing sickness (pregnancy toxaemia or twin lamb disease) and milk fever (hypocalcaemia) are 2 metabolic diseases affecting ewes in the late stages of pregnancy.

Lambing sickness is the most common of the 2 diseases. In severe cases, it can cause a high loss of ewes and lambs.

These diseases initially appear similar: they can be triggered by similar factors and can occur together. It’s important that you correctly identify the early symptoms for the treatment to be affective. If left untreated or not treated early enough, these diseases are fatal. Prevention of lambing sickness and milk fever is far better than trying to cure them.

This guide explains the causes of lambing sickness and milk fever, as well as how to prevent them, identify symptoms, and treat them.