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Diseases of Sheep

Diseases of sheep and associated biosecurity strategies
Disease
Summary of flock biosecurity strategy, in order of the most reliable option for purchase into clean flocks

Maedi Visna

  • Purchase from accredited flocks.
  • Quarantine and test immediately.
  • Repeat test in 6 months before release from quarantine.

Enzootic Abortion of Ewes (EAE)

  • Purchase from accredited flocks.
  • Avoid buying pregnant or maiden ewes.
  • Buy in foster lambs from known sources.
  • Quarantine and blood test bought in sheep.

Sheep scab

  • Keep in quarantine for 14 days
  • Treat with suitable product

Scrapie

  • Buy in tups of known genetic resistance from NSP flocks only
  • Blood test bought in replacement ewes and gimmers for PrP genotype unless their status is already established.
  • Ensure seller's flock is free from disease.

Caseous Lymphadenitis (CLA)

  • Clinical check for lumps in skin.
  • Ensure as far as possible seller's flock is free from disease.

Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis

  • Quarantine and observe.
  • Check feet after 7 and 14 days.

Jaagsiekte

  • Ensure as far as possible seller's is flock free of disease.

Orf

  • Clinical check of lamb faces, mouths, feet.
  • Clinical check of ewe udders, inner thighs.
  • Clinical check of ram's poll.

Border Disease

  • Quarantine for 14 days and blood test for persistent excretors.

Johne's Disease

  • Ensure as far as possible seller's is flock free of disease.
  • Blood test (not wholly reliable).

Foot rot

  • Quarantine and observe.
  • Check feet after 7 and 14 days.

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Page updated: Tuesday, December 18, 2007