Cause of Enzootic Neonatal Ataxia (Swayback)

Correct Answer: Copper

Enzootic neonatal ataxia (also called Swayback or Swing-back) is caused by copper deficiency. It is a neurological disorder characterised by:

• Staggering gait (ataxia) in lambs, kids, and calves
• Demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS) — key pathological feature
• In severe cases: inability to stand or suck milk

All Copper Deficiency Diseases (from notes)

• Stringy/Steely wool: In Merino sheep
• Enzootic neonatal ataxia (Swayback): In lambs/kids/calves
• Falling disease: In adult cattle (sudden cardiac arrest)
• Salt sickness: In Florida cattle

Important Note — Sheep and Copper

Sheep is the ruminant most susceptible to copper toxicity and cobalt deficiency. Copper accumulates in the liver of sheep and can cause acute hemolysis.