Sheep Health

Many diseases are preventable. Losses are often accepted as inevitable, but may indicate a disease problem which can be addressed. Today’s sheep farmers have many options available to prevent diseases in their flock.

Some of the key sheep diseases that reduce productivity and increase costs are:

Lameness

Sheep lameness, in particular footrot, is undoubtedly one of the most important health and welfare issues facing the UK sheep farmer.

Project LAMB image of lambs and sheep in the field.

When poorly controlled, sheep lameness causes visible pain, reduces performance and is a significant cost to the sheep industry.¹

Find out more

Abortion

- Toxoplasmosis
- Enzootic abortion

Undiagnosed infectious abortion agents within a flock can have a significant impact on the number of barren ewes, ewe mortality and lambs born alive and strong.

There are a number of forms of abortion, and obtaining an accurate diagnosis is important, so consult your veterinary surgeon at the very first sign of any abortion.

Orf

Caused by a parapox virus, Orf is highly contagious and can affect sheep of all ages.

***Clostridia* and *Pasteurella***

Pasteurella and clostridia infections can strike any flock, without warning. The majority of cases are fatal and can lead to major economic losses.²

Go to the PREVENTION page for more information.

Parasites

- Worms and fluke
- Flies, lice, ticks and scab

For further information visit the SCOPS website.

Heptavac^® P Plus contains combined Clostridia, Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella trehalosi vaccine antigens. POM-VPS
Ovivac^® P Plus contains combined Clostridia, Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella trehalosi vaccine antigens. POM-VPS
Footvax^® contains Dichelobacter nodosus vaccine antigens. POM-VPS
Toxovax^® contains Toxoplasma gondii. POM-V
Enzovax^® contains live attenuated Chlamydophila abortus. POM-V
Lambivac^TM contains Clostridia vaccine antigens. POM-VPS
Ovipast^TM Plus contains Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella trehalosi vaccine antigens. POM‑VPS
Further information is available from the SPC, datasheet or package leaflets.
Advice should be sought from the medicine prescriber.
Prescription decisions are for the person issuing the prescription alone.
Use Medicines Responsibly.

MSD Animal Health UK Limited, Walton Manor, Walton, Milton Keynes, MK7 7AJ, UK
Registered in England & Wales no. 946942

References

1. AHDB 'Better Returns' Manual 7 - Reducing lameness for better returns
2. Otter and Uzal 2020 In Practice, Clostridial Disease parts 1&2