Concentrations of iodine lower than seven per cent 'are considered less effective in drying and disinfecting the navel'.

Flock keepers are being advised to provide a clean and dry lambing environment.

The Sheep Veterinary Society (SVS) is warning of a potential shortage of strong iodine (10%) for navel dressing this spring.

In a statement on its website, the Association said the situation has developed as a result of production ceasing at the main source in Chile, 'causing prices to quadruple'. 

It adds that concentrations of iodine lower than seven per cent 'are considered less effective in drying and disinfecting the navel'.

Additionally, the Association maintains that while navel dressing is important, most cases of joint ill follow invasion of bacteria through the tonsils or intestinal tract from a heavily contaminated environment.

In light of the potential shortage, sheep farmers are being advised to provide a clean and dry lambing enviornment, and ensure an adequate supply of colostrum through management of the body condition and nutrition of pregnant ewes.

They are also warned that it is not appropriate to use tetracycline antibiotic sprays or blanket systemic/oral antibiotics of lambs to control neonatal infections.

The SVS details some alternative navel dressings on its website. However, it stresses there are little or no data available on their use in lambs, and very limited data available on their use in calves.