Joint ill occurs in lambs up to one month of age. Affected lambs are often lame in several joints, usually limb joints, including fetlocks, knees, hocks and stifles. Affected joints are hot and painful. The lambs are dull, feverish and clearly unthrifty. Some may have swollen, infected navels, while others may have symptoms of pneumonia or meningitis.
The infection is usually caused by strains of streptococci, though coliforms and occasionally Actinomyces pyogenes may be isolated. Affected lambs should be treated with a long-acting penicillin. Joint ill is prevented by good hygiene and using a navel dip, such as betadine or gentle iodine.