The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Yeoman on May 05, 2015, 09:17:38 am

Title: Orf - how long to isolate?
Post by: Yeoman on May 05, 2015, 09:17:38 am

Hi all,
I had a 2 week old lamb who picked up orf from somewhere about three weeks ago.  I managed to isolate him and mum to a separate paddock quite quickly.  The lamb seems to be making a full recovery - the scabs have almost all fallen off.  The ewe seems to have been unaffected.  None of the other members of the flock have shown any symptoms.


How long do you think I need to leave it before putting the lamb and ewe back into the main flock?


Your thoughts would be appreciated...

Title: Re: Orf - how long to isolate?
Post by: twizzel on May 05, 2015, 11:03:02 am

I would say until the scabs have totally fallen off and there's no broken skin.

Title: Re: Orf - how long to isolate?
Post by: Anke on May 05, 2015, 04:27:51 pm

I have never isolated sheep/goats with orf from the rest of the flock. The others either get it or not - if it is already on your farm, there isn't much point is there? I have goats sharing pens and some got it, other didn't - even with really close contact and sharing feed bowls.

Title: Re: Orf - how long to isolate?
Post by: Me on May 07, 2015, 12:31:03 pm

I am told the scabs are where the virus lasts the longest off sheep and am told this can be many months

Title: Re: Orf - how long to isolate?
Post by: Anke on May 07, 2015, 03:26:45 pm

Quote from: Me on May 07, 2015, 12:31:03 pm

I am told the scabs are where the virus lasts the longest off sheep and am told this can be many months

Yes.