Affected sheep become separated from the flock and show muscular tremors, nervous excitement, and a staggered or stiff gait. ... Lactating and older ewes are most often affected. If sheep are grazing early growth of cereal grains or heavily fertilized pastures, provide supplemental magnesium.

How do you treat sheep staggers?

Treatment. Treatment must be prompt to be effective. It is best to inject a combined calcium and magnesium solution (350ml for cattle, 100ml for sheep) under the skin in the area behind the shoulder and over the ribs.

What causes sheep to stagger?

The muscular spasms characteristic of this disease are the result of the action on the nervous system of the toxin produced by Clostridium tetani when this organism is present in wounds. The condition occurs most frequently in lambs, but does occur in ewes after lambing.