Mechanical or “foreign body” pneumonia results when fluids or objects enter the lungs, such as excessive birth fluids or milk in the lungs of lambs. An abnormal birth position or any interruption of the umbilical blood supply to the lamb results in an oxygen deficiency. This in turn stimulates the respiratory reflex and causes the lamb to attempt breathing prior to birth. The respiratory reflex causes inhalation of excessive fetal fluids resulting in mechanical pneumonia. Forced bottle feeding of as lamb with impaired sucking reflex, improper stomach tubing or oral medication may also allow fluid to enter the lungs. There is no cure for mechanical pneumonia.