Background information
Having a plan to manage the impact of sporadic outbreaks of diseases or health problems is critical. Sheep producers should be able to recognise problems early and take corrective action to prevent welfare issues and production losses.
Key decisions, critical actions and benchmarks
Recognise, investigate and take early action on poor sheep health or deaths
Recognise common diseases and know how to treat and manage them. See tool 11.17 for a list of common sheep diseases. Early recognition is crucial to minimising production and economic losses from sporadic disease problems. Record disease problems, deaths, and where sheep fail to meet production targets. Records include class of stock, area of farm affected, animal treatments, pasture assessment, stock condition score and grazing management.
Set trigger points for action to avoid delays in investigation and remedial treatment. Take action when:
- The tail in a mob increases
- You observe abnormal behaviour (staggering, standing alone, etc)
- Symptoms of disease (lameness, scouring, coughing, etc) appear
- Feedback from abattoirs indicates a disease problem (liver fuke, CLA-cheesy gland)
- Sheep fail to achieve expected production targets.
As a benchmark, investigate any mobs when there is more than one death or diseased sheep within any 2–3 day period.
If an unexplained disease occurs seek professional advice from your local veterinarian or livestock health adviser. If an exotic disease is suspected contact your veterinarian, Department of Agriculture/Primary Industries, or dial the emergency animal disease hotline: 1800 675 888.
Some sheep diseases infect humans
Some common diseases can cause serious health problems in people (zoonoses). These include Q-fever, campylobecteriosis, scabby mouth, yersiniosis, salmonellosis, listeriosis, anthrax and hydatids (via dogs). Conduct a risk assessment for people likely to come in contact with sheep that may have any of these diseases. Tool 11.18 presents the common signs in people.
Toxic plants and noxious weeds
Some plants may be toxic or affect livestock performance. Even desirable pasture species, such as phalaris (phalaris poisoning and staggers), perennial rye grass (perennial rye grass staggers) and annual rye grass (annual rye grass toxicity) can be toxic or have harmful effects. Be aware of plants that can be toxic to sheep in your area. Consult your veterinarian, agronomist or livestock adviser to help identify dangerous plants and develop a risk management plan in the face of an outbreak.
Signposts
Read
Livestock diseases in Australia (2006). A. Brightling (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne).
Diseases of Livestock (1990). T.G. Hungerford, ninth edition. (McGraw-Hill).
Poisonous plants of Australia (1981), S.L. Everist – detailed work on native, naturalised and some garden plants known to be capable of poisoning livestock or humans. Targeted to graziers and farmers (Angus & Robertson).
Poisonous Plants: A Handbook for Farmers and Graziers (1983). E.J. McBarron (Inkata Press).
Medical and Veterinary Aspects of Plant Poisoning in New South Wales (1976). E.J. McBarron (NSW DPI).
MLA Tips & Tools: Perennial Ryegrass Toxicosis – helps you to prepare a management plan to deal with the problem. Get your free copy from MLA by:
- Calling: 1800 675 717
- Emailing: publications@mla.com.au
- Downloading from: www.mla.com.au/tipsandtools
Annual Ryegrass Toxicity: Information on the Control and Management.
Visit: http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/content/pw/ah/dis/argtmanage.htm
Note: Refer to source website for the tools mentioned in this article.
