UK: Straw poll conducted at ScotSheep 2024 reveals farmers worries

Published 2024년 6월 25일

Tridge summary

Ovine Johne's Disease (OJD), also known as an 'iceberg disease', is impacting ScotSheep producers by reducing flock productivity and increasing costs. The condition, which is often undetected, leads to higher replacement costs, lower lambing rates, and reduced values for cull ewes. It also increases feed and medicine expenses and contributes to higher greenhouse gas emissions. While the dairy industry focuses on controlling Johne's in cattle, sheep and goat herds can vaccinate with Gudair, which has been shown to reduce shedding and mortality by up to 90%. Farmers are encouraged to test their flocks for OJD and seek advice from their vet on the best testing methods and subsidies available to assist with the costs.
Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Given that ScotSheep attendees are the ‘cream of the crop’ of producers, they do still see thin ewes in their flocks, but ‘iceberg diseases’ may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Ovine Johne’s Disease is known as an ‘iceberg disease’. This means that very often, the number of animals that are showing symptoms of OJD is just the tip of the iceberg, many of the flock will be affected, but there will not be obvious signs. OJD is known as the ‘silent killer’ as quite often the disease is prevalent in the flock but goes unnoticed as the obvious signs do not show until sheep are three to four years of age. OJD in a flock results in a shorter productive life for ewes, as sheep can die from two years of age, therefore, there are higher replacement costs. It has also been shown that there is a reduced percentage of lambing, rearing, finishing, and reduced cull ewe values. Feed and medicine costs are also often higher, as is the contribution to greenhouse gases. There is a strong ...

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