For any farm selling rams for breeding it is necessary to belong to the Ovine Brucellosis Accreditation Scheme, this is particularly important for a stud. Brucellosis is a sexually transmitted disease that causes sterility in rams and abortion in ewes.( During the second half of gestation, which is financially devastating for any flock).
The initial accreditation involves inspection of the property and its management, by an accredited veterinarian and a plan of the property provided. All boundary fencing and ram paddocks must be maintained to a sheep proof standard and all rams over ten months old on the property are blood tested and physically examined.
The initial accreditation involves inspection of the property and its management, by an accredited veterinarian and a plan of the property provided. All boundary fencing and ram paddocks must be maintained to a sheep proof standard and all rams over ten months old on the property are blood tested and physically examined.
Once the initial criteria are met, the scheme requires ongoing testing, plus strict rules regarding the movement of stock to and from the farm, and standards of quarantine for stock purchased. Our rams are to be tested this month as part of our involvement in the scheme.
This of course is an expensive operation, as the vet has to come and take blood from each of the rams over 10 months of age, in addition it is a physical challenge to restrain such strong animals.
This of course is an expensive operation, as the vet has to come and take blood from each of the rams over 10 months of age, in addition it is a physical challenge to restrain such strong animals.
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