Sheep arriving on the property

Introducing sheep also presents a risk of disease introduction. Sheep can appear healthy while at the same time carrying a range of diseases, including external and internal parasites, as well as a variety of noxious weed seeds.

Purchasing sheep that have the least disease risk must be a primary aim of farmers when buying sheep.

Isolating introduced sheep

Introduced sheep should routinely be isolated from other sheep until they are determined to be free from diseases or pests.

Isolating rams

In the case of rams introduced for breeding, the isolation period will generally be short, and the risk of introducing disease with a small number of stud rams is generally less than with larger mobs of ewes or wethers.

Isolating stray sheep

Stray sheep found on your property should be removed from the flock and isolated immediately.

Visitors, vehicles, and machinery on your farm

The entry of people, vehicles, and agricultural equipment also carries a risk of disease and weed seed introduction.

Footrot

Footrot can remain dormant in the feet of sheep for long periods, especially during dry weather conditions. Ideally, should be kept isolated until they have passed through a suitable footrot expression period, usually a spring or autumn.

Sheep lice

should be thoroughly checked for lice and treated with an effective chemical if evidence of infestation is found. Always request a Sheep Health Statement prior to purchasing sheep.

Ovine Johne’s disease (OJD)

OJD is an incurable wasting disease that may take years after infection before the first signs of ill thrift and deaths are seen.

Introduced sheep pose the greatest risk of introducing OJD onto a property. For this reason, it is vital that proposed introductions come from flocks at low risk of OJD.

Drench resistance

Drenching sheep on arrival with an effective chemical and moving them to an isolation area, will limit the risk of introducing drench-resistant worms.

Noxious weeds

Weed seeds such as Patterson’s curse and Bathurst burr are just two of the common noxious weeds that may be carried in a sheep’s fleece and spread to new areas.

The isolation area

The isolation area for new arrivals should have adequate fencing to ensure the containment of isolated sheep. Location is important to minimise contamination of other paddocks and travel to and from the woolshed and yards.