Infected ear tags

[rusco]

Hi all,

I had tagged our breeding ewes back in late September with 2 different types of tag from a leading tag supplier. Essentially one is a loop tag (electronic) and the other a larger leaf type tag which had the flock information on the back half and a management number on the front. I have used the same tags for the past 8 or 10 years with absolutely no issues, up until this year when I have been tortured with ewes with badly infected tags in either one or both ears that have required antibiotic spray and injections to clear them up. They were tagged on a dry day and in clean conditions so its just to ask if anyone else has had similar problems this Autumn or has any tips on how to avoid a repeat performance next year.

Thanks

 

[Alistair]

I am going to follow this post with interest. I had a number of infected ears after tagging in January this year with large flag tags. Now a number of my gimmers have large holes in their ears where the pin is situated and the flesh has rotted away. Quite annoyingly the supply Roxan were really not interested in the problem.

 

[milkloss]

Had a run with the cattle tags last spring. dipped each tag in iodine for that year and I don’t think it did the tags much good tbh. Didn’t use any antiseptic this year with new tags and had no problems. Can’t work it out.

 

[Farmer 83563]

I am going to follow this post with interest. I had a number of infected ears after tagging in January this year with large flag tags. Now a number of my gimmers have large holes in their ears where the pin is situated and the flesh has rotted away. Quite annoyingly the supply Roxan were really not interested in the problem.

Ive had hassle with Roxan aswell. shite customer service!

 

[Lili]

I used Roxan management tags for small lambs for the first time this year . Never again. About 20 per cent lost and a lot of sore ears. The company just told me they 'never had any complaints from anyone else'!

 

[Farmer 83563]

Hi all,

I had tagged our breeding ewes back in late September with 2 different types of tag from a leading tag supplier. Essentially one is a loop tag (electronic) and the other a larger leaf type tag which had the flock information on the back half and a management number on the front. I have used the same tags for the past 8 or 10 years with absolutely no issues, up until this year when I have been tortured with ewes with badly infected tags in either one or both ears that have required antibiotic spray and injections to clear them up. They were tagged on a dry day and in clean conditions so its just to ask if anyone else has had similar problems this Autumn or has any tips on how to avoid a repeat performance next year.

Thanks

I find tagging a few weeks pre-weaning helps minimise infections, seem to have better immunity. Appreciate it isnt always possible/practical

 

[Anymulewilldo]

We've bought about 2500 lambs this back end, 300 mule ewe lambs and the rest assorted feeding lambs. I've never had to cut out so many tags as I have this Autumn. All different makes, I thought I could pin it down to a particular brand but it doesn't seem to matter. The shearwell tags I use in our own bred lambs have gone manky in a few as well, never had that before. Would love to know what is causing it this time?!

 

[Alistair]

I should have added to my original post that I dipped the tags in dettol disinfectant prior to tagging the lambs. I was just wondering if this could have been the cause of the problems, in previous years I have not done this.

Also, I have subsequently discussed this issue with staff running the Roxan stand at the Royal Highland and they were sympathetic to my issues suggesting that I dipped the tags in a spirit based solution. However the initial response from the office staff was less than satisfactory.

 

[Smith31]

A bit offtopic sorry... I am in the abattoir at least 3\4 times a week, and see small abcesses on animals dueto cross contamination on farms. I can not stress this enough please please pay attention to good hygiene whilst injecting or treating different animals. Always clean between animals.

 

[Agrivator]

A bit offtopic sorry... I am in the abattoir at least 3\4 times a week, and see small abcesses on animals dueto cross contamination on farms. I can not stress this enough please please pay attention to good hygiene whilst injecting or treating different animals. Always clean between animals.

I suspect that most of the infection is failure to replace any needle that has a slight damage. It goes in ok, but any barb causes damage as it's withdrawn.

 

[primmiemoo]

An application of lambing gel/AI lube - no antiseptic - to the pointy part of the tag helps. I use a cleaned liquid soap bottle to ration the amount/tag. It seems to make a temporary seal around the piercing and helps it to heal.

 

[An ancient git]

Totally sympathise ! Used Roxan tagfaster on lambs last year and some went awol . Bit of a prat , if you're trying to record parentage . However they're way better than the others used prior and not too heavy on babies' ears . Given up now , just notch ear with sire and keep the fastest grown .... Good job I'm not registering ! Just tag finishers as they go and then have a blitz , when flies gone .... have dobbed in 'fly cream' ok , but a PIA if tagging lambs as they are born .

 

[rusco]

An application of lambing gel/AI lube - no antiseptic - to the pointy part of the tag helps. I use a cleaned liquid soap bottle to ration the amount/tag. It seems to make a temporary seal around the piercing and helps it to heal.

I'll try your tip with the gel the next time I'm tagging ewes to see if it helps. Thanks