Survey shows geographic variation in causes of abortion in sheep

Results from Intervet's annual FlockCheck survey into causes of abortion and stillbirths in sheep have improved slightly compared to previous years, but major geographical variations show flocks in Wales to be at more risk than the rest of the country. Despite this improvement, the survey, which concluded at the end of July, shows that levels of both enzootic abortion and toxoplasmosis across the UK remain consistently high.

Results for the UK as a whole show levels of enzootic abortion at 55%, which is 5% higher than the five-year average. Levels of toxoplasmosis at 63% are 8% lower than the average, and the incidence of flocks testing positive for both diseases is 36%.

FlockCheck is performed in association with farmers and their vets, and this year blood samples were analysed from 282 flocks across the UK between March and July. The results are summarised in figure 1.

Fig 1

Intervet's product manager, Ian Anderson, MRCVS, says that although there has been a general improvement across the UK, both diseases are still present at relatively high levels and there is significant room for reducing their incidence yet further through vet-coordinated vaccination programmes.

"Farmers who believe that they may have a problem, or where abortions and stillbirths exceed 2% in the breeding flock, should make a note to contact their vet to register their interest in participating in Intervet's 8th successive annual FlockCheck survey next year," states Mr Anderson. "Most farmers who participate go on to vaccinate and fully appreciate the value of the service."

FlockCheck is an Intervet-subsidised service that runs from March to July every year. All it requires is a visit by the farm's vet to take blood samples from 6-8 barren or aborted ewes per flock after lambing. The results highlight whether either disease is present in the flock, and should lead to the formulation of an appropriate vaccination schedule.

Farmers who used FlockCheck and had a specific cause of abortion diagnosed this year are reminded to contact their vet to discuss the use of appropriate vaccines prior to tupping.