United Kingdom-Lambing Season.

SHEEP farmers are reminded of the importance of good hygiene as the lambing season approaches.

About a third of lamb losses on lowland farms are among newborns and many of these are believed to be as a result of disease.

The build-up of bacteria in lambing sheds can cause watery mouth, joint and navel ill, clostridial disease and types of enteritis.

Shirley Wilson, from agricultural disinfectant company Sorgene, said: "First class lambing hygiene is one of the best ways of reducing the loss of life and vigour the major disease challenges facing newborn lambs cause.

"It only takes a slip amid the pressures of lambing management to let serious infections take hold."

She has a checklist of essentials to help avoid problems:

:: Disinfect all accommodation before lambing starts.

:: Isolate sick ewes and lambs in special pens away from the healthy flock.

:: Wear clean overalls, dip boots in disinfectant and wash hands with anti-bacterial soap.

:: Keep bucket of broad spectrum disinfectant to treat lambing equipment, water bowls, teats and milk dispensers.

:: Muck out pens and disinfect exposed surfaces with a knapsack or hand-held sprayer daily.