Small increase in sheep diagnosed with 'Wheelbarrow disease'

Farmers are advised to regularly inspect adult sheep and cull any affected animals
Farmers are advised to regularly inspect adult sheep and cull any affected animals

Farmers have spoken of their concerns over reports of a small increase in the number of sheep diagnosed with Ovine Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma, also known as "Wheelbarrow disease".

Whilst the increase is said to be small, sheep farmers have been told to be vigilant.

All breeds of sheep can be affected by Ovine Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma (OPA). Typical symptoms include - difficulty breathing, marked weight loss, and over production of fluid in the lungs.

Currently, there is no blood test for the disease and the development of a successful vaccine is still some years away.

OPA is usually introduced into a flock via newly purchased animals, who appear in good health but are carrying the Jaagsieket sheep retrovirus (JSVR).

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) said it’s "concerned" by reports of the increase in the number of sheep diagnosed.

UFU Hill Farming chairman, John Kennedy said: “Farmers strive to keep their flocks in peak health but this disease can be difficult to detect and can result in significant economic losses, particularly in high value breeding flocks.”

Ultrasound scanning

Mr Kennedy said ultrasound scanning and post-mortem examinations are good ways to get a handle on a flock’s health status.

“If you suspect there is OPA in your flock, isolate the suspected animals and contact your vet. At present, there is no treatment for the disease. A post-mortem examination of the lungs will confirm if the disease is present. Ultrasound scanning can be used to detect sheep with small signs of the disease before they show clinical signs,” he added.

Farmers are advised to regularly inspect adult sheep and cull any affected animals. “Removing affected animals has immediate economic and welfare benefits,” said Mr Kennedy.

OPA poses no risk to human health and sheep can be sold to meat plants before clinical signs develop.

Farmers have been told to contact a vet straight away and remove infected sheep to reduce the risk of the disease spreading if OPA is found.