Australia is the world’s largest exporter of sheep and 92% of our mutton is exported, along with 57% of our lamb also headed offshore but against that background, ewe productivity is one of the biggest challenges facing farmers and producers and of course that can affect reproduction successes, survival rates and litter size.
It’s not a new problem – it is estimated that since 1990, the volume of sheep in Australian farms has diminished by a staggering 60%, and while there are many reasons for this drop off, one thing graziers can do immediately is vaccinate their livestock against campylobacter disease.
Campylobacter is a bacterial disease that has a large impact on flocks across the country. It causes late term infectious abortions and stillbirths in ewes. It is commonly spread through faeces, particularly in periods of stress. This can also lead to tainted water sources, which can rapidly spread on farms with devastating effect.
Aussie vets are urging vigilance to sheep graziers across NSW and imploring them to keep their flock of sheep vaccinated against campylobacter.
“Campylobacter is not a new issue,” says Dr Jim Walsh, Veterinarian and Technical Advisor at Coopers Animal Health.
The bacteria was first found in the 1950s but it is now becoming a more common concern for Australian sheep producers.
“Due to the increase value in sheep stock and strong rate of return on investment, Ovilis Campyvax has been seen as an insurance policy against losses,” says Dr Walsh of his company’s product.
He says the vaccine allows for a more risk assessment approach to potential lamb losses particularly in intensively managed flocks and high stocking rates.
But not everyone agrees vaccination is the only route to take.
We spoke to Pastoral Association of West Darling President, Terry Smith about the local impact of campylobacter. While he is not against the campyvax, he is considering other options for his farm.
“I think the five in one or six in one is a better option, in my opinion,” Mr Smith told us.
“Everybody can do what they want to do on their own farms. It is not one size fits all. It needs to be taken season by season and farm by farm.
“If anyone is seeing anything out of the ordinary, however, they should contact a vet immediately,” he added.
To find out more about the Ovilis Campivax, scan the QR code below
