The vaccine is fairly inexpensive. The actual labor involved with catching and handling the lambs seems to be a limiting factor. For problem flocks, other things that will help in reducing death losses are using yeast in the feed, which is an excellent source of thiamin, and using a flavored rumen buffer such as sodium bicarbonate. Lambs that have Type D are found dead. They can be normal in the morning and dead within 12 hours.
Necropsy lesions can be obvious or very subtle.
All sudden-death lambs should be posted by a veterinarian. Lambs that have polio are often found lying on their sides, paddling their feet much like they are running a race. Treatment of polio lambs with l0cc's of vitamin B complex and 5cc's of Predef 2x daily can be very rewarding. Polio lambs require removal of the brain for a necropsy diagnosis. Change rations slowly over a 2 week period.