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February 2026

Twin Lamb Disease: A Preventable Problem in Late Pregnancy

Twin lamb disease, (pregnancy toxaemia), is a serious and often fatal condition affecting ewes in late pregnancy.

• It’s most common in ewes carrying twins or triplets, but any ewe under nutritional stress in the final six weeks before lambing can be at risk.

The disease occurs when a ewe cannot eat enough energy to meet the demands of her growing lambs. As a result, she begins to mobilise body fat, leading to a build-up of ketones in the blood.

• Once clinical signs appear, the condition can progress quickly.