The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Rosemary on January 16, 2015, 06:50:37 pm

Title: Toxoplasmosis
Post by: Rosemary on January 16, 2015, 06:50:37 pm

Article in The Scottish Farmer saying that shepherds with a flock barren rate of more than 2% can get a subsidised test for toxo.It's available until the end of March 2015.

EweCheck data from 2014 showed that 85% of flocks tested had been exposed to toxoplasmosis, which is the main infectious cause of early embryo loss in sheep and a cause of abortion, barrenness and weak lambs.

I'm not sure hhow they would deal with smallflocks - what's 2% of 6? But if you are concerned, have a chat with your vet.

We started vaccinating for toxo and EA two years ago and I wonder if our improved scan rate is attributable to that.

Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis
Post by: SallyintNorth on January 16, 2015, 09:45:27 pm

When I started in sheep up here, our vet said to just avoid kittens, and we'd be fine.  Trouble is, one can't legislate for kittens next door!   ::)

Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis
Post by: Tim W on January 16, 2015, 10:49:27 pm

I think that this applies to English flocks too----I have tested for free in the past under a similar scheme
Ask your vet for details I guess