SWIFT whole-flock vaccinations in the case of enzootic abortion is recommended by Novartis. Vet Matt Colston of Frame Swift & Partners in Pentrith notes that farmers who have restocked following FMD may not know the status of the sheep they have bought in.
"If you start getting abortions, or if the flock has any of the other symptoms, it's important to act quickly," he said.
"The first step is to isolate aborting ewes and disinfect the local area, if possible, to reduce the risk of the infection spreading.
"The second step is to identify the cause of the abortion. If enzootic abortion is confirmed, early vaccination of the whole flock with Mydiavac, which is licensed for use in pregnant sheep, to protect so far unaffected ewes is important ... It will also increase the number of live lambs born to ewes that are infected but which haven't yet shown symptoms."
Mydiavac is available only through vets.
Updated: 11:59 Thursday, March 21, 2002
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