Scottish sheep do well in national disease survey

Intervet’s annual assessment of the state of health of the nation’s sheep shows losses through abortion and stillbirths are lower in Scotland than the rest of the UK.   Despite this, the company’s Ian Anderson says that both enzootic abortion (EAE) and toxoplasmosis remain at high levels, with many producers likely to benefit from vaccinating their breeding ewes before they are put to the tup.

FlockCheck is an Intervet-subsidised blood testing service designed to help farmers prevent costly losses by determining the causes of any stillbirths or abortions within the flock.   The results from the 7th annual survey this spring have just been announced, and while they show flocks in Scotland have fared well compared to England and Wales, the prevalence of either or both diseases is still well above satisfactory levels.   See graph 1.

Average national levels of the three diseases over the past five years are 72% for toxoplasmosis, 50% for EAE and 41% for both diseases present.   Results from Scottish flocks in the survey were 50% prevalence for each disease and 28% for both diseases together.   This contrasts sharply to levels in Wales which are the highest in the UK and well above the national average. 

Farmers that participated in the 2006 survey will have by now received a detailed report on the prevalence of the diseases in their flocks, and will be able to discuss vaccination policies with their veterinary surgeon.

“Other farmers who believe that they may have a problem, or where abortions and stillbirths exceed 2% in their breeding flock, should make a note to contact their vet to register their interest in participating in the next FlockCheck survey, which starts in March 2007,” states Mr Anderson.   “Most farmers who participate go on to vaccinate and fully appreciate the value of the service.”

Vaccine availability

Intervet has announced that it has secured additional supplies of its toxoplasmosis vaccine (Toxovax®) this year to cope with large increases in demand seen in previous seasons.   Farmers vaccinating against both disease should also note that the only licensed combination of vaccines where both diseases are present is Enzovax® and Toxovax®.

Article first published 22/08/06