Ewe test results

9 August 2002

Ewe test results

TESTS on more than 27,000 ewes in 49 flocks have found that 81% gave positive results for toxoplasmosis, while 47% were positive for enzootic abortion and 37% tested positive for both conditions, says Intervet.

Toxoplasmosis and enzootic abortion are the two most common infectious causes of abortion within the UK national flock. However, toxoplasmosis can also result in losses due to barren ewes, mummified, stillborn or weak lambs, according to Alasdair King of Intervet.

With producers starting to buy replacements, they should be aware of the risks posed by both conditions and consider vaccinating against them, he suggests. &#42

Mr King.