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News

Flock health Focus: Tackling Sheep Abortion

August 22, 2025 | by Charlie Hands | Farm

Sheep Abortion: Causes, Management and Prevention

Sheep abortion is one of the most common causes of lost lambs in UK flocks. It reduces lambing percentages, impacts profitability, and can be stressful to manage. Our upcoming free flock health meeting will give sheep farmers practical advice on how to tackle the problem.

📍 Hook Norton Memorial Hall
📅 4th September
🍴 Food & Drink
🎤 6.00 pm start

Causes of Sheep Abortion

Several infectious diseases are responsible for abortions in ewes, including:

  • Enzootic abortion (Chlamydia)

  • Toxoplasmosis

  • Campylobacter

  • Other bacterial and viral pathogens

These can spread quickly within a flock, so early recognition and prevention are key.

Screening Cull Ewes

Testing cull ewes can reveal hidden infections within a flock. By understanding what’s circulating, farmers can make informed decisions to reduce the risk of abortions in future breeding seasons.

Managing an Abortion Outbreak

If faced with an abortion storm, fast action is vital. Isolating affected animals, applying strict hygiene measures, and seeking veterinary support can help limit losses and protect flock health.

Preventing Sheep Abortion

Long-term prevention relies on a combination of:

  • Vaccination where appropriate

  • Good biosecurity

  • Effective flock management strategies

Join Our Free Farmer Meeting

This flock health meeting is a chance to hear the latest veterinary advice, ask questions, and share experiences with fellow farmers. Plus, enjoy a relaxed evening with food and drinks.

📞 To book your FREE place, call our Large Animal Reception on 01608 730085.

Written by Charlie Hands

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