Action now to protect next year's lambs

Intervet is launched its annual FlockCheck blood testing service at the beginning of March.   The scheme will run until the end of July and is intended to provide vets and farmers with the means to overcome the annual losses caused by toxoplasmosis and enzootic abortion (EAE).  

FlockCheck, now in its fifth year, analyses samples taken from ewes which have had still born or aborted foetuses with a view to determining the cause.   Once the diagnosis is complete, appropriate action can be taken to prevent the diseases causing losses in next year’s lamb crop.   Where enzootic abortion, toxoplasmosis, or both diseases, are found to be present, farmers are prompted to discuss vaccination strategies with their veterinary surgeon.

Results from previous years’ surveys have shown a relatively constant level of both diseases in flocks across Englandand Wales, but a slight decline in Scotland.   However, despite the availability of suitable vaccines, the number of UKflocks infected with both diseases remains at around 40%, and those that have had exposure to toxoplasmosis only are still about 70% of flocks sampled – see graph 1.  

The estimated cost of one abortion as a result of either disease is estimated to be in excess of £100.   Where losses exceed 2% of the lamb crop, Intervet suggests that vaccination against both diseases will more than pay for the cost of the two vaccines.   Further information about FlockCheck 2006 can be obtained from your vet, or by calling Intervet on 01908 685685.

Article first published 21/03/06

Graph 1 

The changing incidence of EAE and toxoplasmosis in the UKunvaccinated sheep flock 1994-2004