Abscesses in goats are usually visible as swollen lumps under the jaw or on the neck. Spread Eighty to 90 per cent all cheesy gland infections are spread at shearing, usually at the second and third shearings. Many sheep infected with cheesy gland have abscesses in their lungs. Some of these abscesses discharge into the airways where the bacteria can be coughed up. Cheesy gland commonly spreads when sheep cough bacteria onto skin cuts of other sheep.
Bacteria can also penetrate intact skin when sheep are shower or plunge dipped.
In goats, the head is most commonly affected, so the most likely point of entry is through abrasions on the head or in the mouth. Prevention Vaccination is the most effective way to control cheesy gland. The vaccine against cheesy gland is combined with vaccines for other diseases. Vaccinate lambs twice, four to six weeks apart, preferably at marking and weaning. Yearly boosters to adult sheep are an essential part of a vaccination program.