Ovine Brucellosis

Ovine Brucellosis is a bacterial disease of sheep which is characterised by infertility of rams. It appears that the incidence of Ovine Brucellosis is increasing in southern NSW.

Ovine Brucellosis is caused by the Brucella Ovis bacteria, which is found in the semen of infected rams as well as the foetal fluid and the mammary glands of ewes. It is spread largely from rams serving infected ewes and coming into contact with infected semen.

Flock infection with Ovine Brucellosis results in ram wastage and decreased lambing percentage. The overall effect on fertility of the flock, will depend on the number of rams infected as well as the severity of their infections. In most cases, new rams will be introduced to the flock each year which maintains some level of fertility within the flock.

Ovine Brucellosis is diagnosed through manual examination followed by confirmation with a blood test. Treatment is not worthwhile and infected rams need to be culled.

Prevention or management of Ovine Brucellosis involves regular monitoring and testing of rams, purchasing rams only from flocks which have been tested as clean, as well as ensuring that neighbouring rams do not have the opportunity to mix with a clean flock.

The increased level of infection detected of late, highlights the need to be vigilant and maintain regular contact with a veterinarian, to ensure that all animal health issues are addressed.