Preventing Neonatal Infectious Arthritis in Lambs (PhD)

Preventing Neonatal Infectious Arthritis in Lambs: Sources, Transmission and Characterisation of Streptococcus dysgalactiae 

The Challenge

‘Joint ill’ or infectious arthritis affects lambs from one to four weeks old, with symptoms usually presenting within 10 to 14 days of birth. These include hot, swollen and painful joints; particularly affected are the fetlock, hock and stifle, which results in lameness, and with disease progression, the inability to stand. Although treatment can be effective if caught early, this is often not possible and irreversible damage of the joint occurs. Not only a significant welfare issue, economic losses occur due to poor growth rates and condemnation at the abattoir.

The most common agent implicated in joint ill is the bacteria Streptococcus dysgalactiae. Despite being a source of morbidity, mortality, and economic loss in the agricultural industry, little is known about S. dysgalactiae beyond its clinical presentation and basic microbiological features. It has been previously isolated from synovial joint fluid and skin surrounding the navels of affected lambs, and from vaginal swabs and milk from a limited number of ewes, however, isolation rates tend to be low. Knowledge of its survival in the environment is also limited, and although poor hygiene and lack of adequate colostrum intake is thought to contribute to the development of joint ill, outbreaks still occur on farms with good hygiene and colostrum management. Thus, deducing transmission routes and sources of S. dysgalactiae remains a challenge.

The Project

This project aims to:

• Identify the sources and routes of transmission of dysgalactiae
• Characterise dysgalactiae in terms of genetic diversity and virulence factors, including antimicrobial resistance
• Identify key farm and animal level risk factors for joint ill
• Contribute to vaccine development

Student

Louise Jackson, University of Liverpool

Watch Louise's video on our AHDB Beef & Lamb YouTube channel https://youtu.be/aGyEv0q7g88