Information Bulletin
Biosecurity at Lambing Time
Shetland Animal Health Scheme is continuing to work to keep Enzootic Abortion of Ewes out of Shetland. The Scheme Officers are issuing a reminder of the current situation regarding imported female sheep, and biosecurity advice to protect your flock.
Female sheep are tested for EAE on importation at the pier, but they need a second test after their first lambing in Shetland to ensure they are not carrying infection. Importers of female sheep should already have received notification that this second test is due post lambing and biosecurity advice. EAE is however highly infectious at lambing time so there is a serious risk of spread from these animals before a clear test can be obtained. Imported female sheep will be lambing in the following regions; Central Mainland, South Mainland, North Mainland, West Mainland and Unst. Post lambing, the local vets will be working to test and hopefully clear these animals as quickly as possible. In the meantime it is essential that flock owners maintain very high standards of biosecurity to protect their own flocks.
Abortions should also be tested as part of the EAE screening system. In previous years few flocks have taken advantage of this service. Aborted ewes should be blood tested and lambs/cleanings handed in to your vet for testing, the costs of which are included in the schemes.
Advice Summary
- Importers of female sheep should follow scheme guidelines and contact their vet for any necessary further advice
- Get all abortions tested by your local vet promptly.
- Do not donate or accept orphan lambs from other flocks. This is a very common way of introducing EAE into a flock.
- Do not lamb a neighbour’s sheep in with your own. Return them.
- If possible do not lamb sheep for neighbours. If this is necessary, wash and disinfect all protective clothing and boots before and after working with sheep from another flock. Be aware of the risks of spreading infection.
- Do not have unnecessary visitors in your lambing shed. Disinfect visitors' protective clothing and boots before entry and on leaving the shed.
- Please work with your vet to get sheep booked in when requested for EAE testing.
For any further information please contact your local vet or one of the Animal Health Scheme Officers on 01595 744713.
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