What is a common disease that can affect sheep during colder months?

Pneumonia is a common disease that can significantly affect sheep during the colder months. This susceptibility is often attributed to factors such as increased exposure to cold, wet, and windy weather, which can compromise the sheep's respiratory health. The stress of harsh environmental conditions can lead to a decrease in immune function, making it easier for pathogens to infect the lungs.

In addition, the housing conditions during winter, such as overcrowding or poor ventilation, can increase the risk of respiratory illnesses. Pneumonia in sheep may present with symptoms like coughing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing, requiring prompt identification and treatment to prevent severe outcomes or loss of life.

While heat stress, foot rot, and wool harvesting syndrome are also important conditions to consider in sheep management, they are generally more associated with different environmental factors or management practices that do not primarily correlate with cold weather.