Now that the joining season is nearly upon us, it is important that when buying in rams or ewes that they come from disease free stock. Rams from accredited studs can be introduced without testing, but, without blood testing rams from an unknown source can pose a risk to the whole flock and result in significant economic loses. Ewes should be isolated for one month if not in lamb, however pregnant ewes need to be isolated and not rejoined for 4 months.
Johnes disease does not show until the sheep are older, so it is important to purchase from vaccinated flocks, as it is becoming a problem in all areas that do not vaccinate, being a soil born disease.
It is good practice to have in place a small quarantine paddock to isolate recently purchased stock and it can also be used as a hospital paddock for sick stock from within your existing flock. Any stock that you bring home should be drenched and given a top up 6 in 1 vaccine. This is to reduce the risk of resistant worms being introduced to you farm as well as giving the new animal some protection as it enters a new environment.
Johnes disease does not show until the sheep are older, so it is important to purchase from vaccinated flocks, as it is becoming a problem in all areas that do not vaccinate, being a soil born disease.
It is good practice to have in place a small quarantine paddock to isolate recently purchased stock and it can also be used as a hospital paddock for sick stock from within your existing flock. Any stock that you bring home should be drenched and given a top up 6 in 1 vaccine. This is to reduce the risk of resistant worms being introduced to you farm as well as giving the new animal some protection as it enters a new environment.
A sheep with Johnes Disease in what otherwise appears to be a healthy flock.
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