White Muscle Disease (WMD) also know as nutritional muscular dystrophy, is a condition in sheep that results from a deficiency in selenium, and occasionally vitamin E. This degenerative disorder affects both skeletal and cardiac muscles, predominantly in fast-growing lambs aged 3 to 8 weeks. These may show up as stiffness (especially in the back legs), a tucked-up belly, arched back, pneumonia, or sudden death. Selenium deficiency happens when soil has less than 0.5 mg of selenium per kg and locally grown feeds have less than 0.1 mg of selenium per kg.
Many parts of northern and central Europe (e.g., UK, Germany, Denmark, Finland, with soils similar to those in New Zealand) are low in selenium, while in America (North and South), regions such as the northeast USA, the Great Lakes area, parts of Canada, southern Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay also face selenium deficiency; similarly, certain regions of Australia, particularly those with highly weathered or acidic soils, are deficient as well.
Fresh pasture and legumes provide plenty of vitamin E, but stored feed has much less, losing up to half its vitamin E each month. All sheep and goat breeds can get white muscle disease (WMD), but it’s most common in newborn or fast-growing animals. Kids are more at risk than lambs, likely because they need more selenium.
Lets explore the white muscle disease in goat and sheet though its causes, symptoms treatment and also how to save your sheep from white muscle disease?
Causes of white muscle disease
White muscle disease is caused by definincy of vitamin E and selenium in animal diet. This definicny effect the animal muscle degeneration particularly skeleton and heat muscle mostly in young sheep and goat. Selenium deficiency is associated with selenium deficiency in soil. Certain areas of the world in which the US northeast, Most areas of the Canada, North and central Europ areas are included.
Vitamin E deficiency in goats and sheep happens mainly because of low intake from feed (especially when relying on stored feed), high oxidative stress, selenium deficiency, and higher demand in young or stressed animals.
Selenium and vitamin E are essential nutrients that protect the body against oxidative damage. Selenium is a key component of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which neutralizes harmful oxidative radicals and safeguards cells. Vitamin E functions in a similar way, acting as a potent antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative injury. In addition, selenium is an important part of various selenoproteins that regulate mitochondrial function, energy metabolism, oxidative balance, and calcium homeostasis, all of which are critical for proper muscle contraction and overall function.
Symptoms of White Muscle Disease in Sheep
The main clinical signs of white muscle disease (WMD) in sheep and goats 
include muscle stiffness, weakness, pneumonia, and an irregular heart rate. The condition mostly affects lambs and kids, as their rapid growth increases the demand for selenium and vitamin E. Diagnosis is primarily based on these symptoms, but confirmation requires laboratory testing of blood selenium and vitamin E levels.
Vitamin E status in sheep and goats is assessed by measuring the concentration of α-tocopherol in plasma or serum, since α-tocopherol is the most active form of vitamin E in the body. This test helps determine whether the animal has adequate vitamin E levels, which is particularly important when investigating white muscle disease (WMD). Feed samples can also be analyzed for vitamin E content, as stored hay, silage, and grains often lose significant amounts during storage and processing.
Selenium deficiency is diagnosed by measuring selenium concentrations in whole blood or tissue samples. Affected animals typically show blood selenium levels below 0.04 ppm. Breeding ewes have higher requirements, with optimal blood levels above 0.5 ppm. On necropsy, the muscles of deficient animals often appear unusually pale, with noticeable longitudinal streaks or a chalky texture caused by abnormal calcium deposits.
In routine veterinary practice, selenium testing is more widely available and therefore commonly performed, but combining it with vitamin E (α-tocopherol) measurement provides the most accurate diagnosis. If both α-tocopherol levels and selenium concentrations in blood are low, this strongly indicates a vitamin E–selenium deficiency as the underlying cause of WMD in lambs and kids
White Muscle Disease Treatment
Treatment of white muscle disease in sheep is possible with supplements of 
selenium and vitamin E, since the main cause of the disease is a deficiency of selenium and vitamin E. Farmers should always follow the label instructions when using selenium for treatment. Different products contain different amounts of selenium, and giving too much or too often can poison the animal and may even cause death. In sheep and goats, white muscle disease can damage the heart muscle, sometimes for a long time or even for life. Treatment for WMD should be given quickly to lessen the damage to the muscles.
Prevention of White Muscle Disease
White muscle disease (WMD) can be prevented by making sure sheep and goats receive enough selenium and vitamin E in their diets, especially in areas where soils are naturally low in selenium. Since the disease most often affects lambs and kids born to mothers that were fed selenium-deficient diets, providing supplements to pregnant ewes and does is very important. Selenium crosses the placenta and is also found in colostrum, giving protection to newborns. Vitamin E does not pass through the placenta in large amounts, but colostrum from supplemented mothers contains higher levels, which also helps protect young animals.
The best way to prevent WMD is through feed supplementation rather than injections. Injectable selenium products are available, but they are less effective and not recommended for routine prevention. Instead, rations, grains, hay, or mineral mixes can be tested to determine how much selenium is already present, and supplements can then be added to meet safe and effective levels.
Selenium use is strictly regulated by law because excessive intake can cause toxicity. For sheep, selenium may be added to a complete ration at up to 0.3 ppm, or provided through feed supplements and mineral mixes, as long as total daily intake does not exceed 0.7 mg per head per day. In mineral mixes, the maximum allowed level is 90 ppm, provided the daily intake remains under this limit. Selenium supplementation through feed is not yet specifically approved for goats, so care must be taken when managing their diets.
Conclusion
White muscle disease (WMD) is a serious but preventable condition in sheep and goats, caused primarily by deficiencies of selenium and vitamin E. It most often affects young, fast-growing animals and can lead to muscle stiffness, weakness, pneumonia, heart damage, or even sudden death. While treatment with selenium and vitamin E can help, early detection and prompt care are crucial to reduce long-term muscle damage.
Prevention remains the most effective strategy. Ensuring that breeding ewes and does receive balanced nutrition with adequate selenium and vitamin E is essential for protecting newborn lambs and kids. Since selenium supplementation is regulated by law and overdosing can be fatal, farmers must carefully follow feeding guidelines and consider testing feed or blood levels where deficiencies are suspected.
By combining good nutrition, careful management, and veterinary guidance, producers can effectively control white muscle disease, protect the health of their flocks, and avoid the economic losses caused by this preventable disorder.
White Muscle Disease (WMD) in Sheep and Goats – Questions & Answers
What is white muscle disease?
White muscle disease (WMD) is a nutritional disorder that affects the muscles of sheep, goats, and other livestock. It is caused by a deficiency of selenium and/or vitamin E, leading to muscle weakness and degeneration.
What is white muscle disease in sheep?
In sheep, white muscle disease results in weakness, stiffness, or sudden death, particularly in lambs. It can affect either skeletal muscles (causing difficulty walking and standing) or the heart muscle (causing respiratory distress and sudden death).
What causes white muscle disease in sheep?
The main cause of WMD in sheep is a deficiency of selenium and vitamin E in the diet. These nutrients are vital for protecting muscle tissue from oxidative damage. Deficiencies are common in areas where the soil lacks selenium.
Can sheep recover from white muscle disease?
Yes, if the condition is caught early and treated with selenium and vitamin E supplements, many sheep can recover. However, if the heart muscle has been severely damaged, recovery is less likely.
How to treat white line disease in sheep?
Treatment involves giving selenium and vitamin E, usually by injection or oral supplements. Early treatment is most effective. Supportive care, such as proper feeding and rest, may also help affected animals.
What are the symptoms of white muscle disease in lambs?
Common symptoms include:
- Weakness and stiffness in the legs
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Trembling or muscle pain
- Sudden death (if the heart is affected)
When are sheep most at risk for white muscle disease?
Sheep are most at risk in selenium-deficient areas, especially:
- Newborn lambs from ewes with low selenium diets
- Rapidly growing lambs and kids
- During times of stress, such as weaning or poor nutrition
Is white muscle disease painful?
Yes, affected animals may experience pain due to muscle inflammation and weakness. Lambs may show stiffness, trembling, and reluctance to move.
What vitamin deficiency causes white muscle disease?
A deficiency of vitamin E (along with selenium deficiency) causes white muscle disease. Both nutrients work together as antioxidants to protect muscle cells.
