Instant Insights: Understanding and managing diseases affecting sheep

This collection features four peer-reviewed reviews on understanding and managing major diseases affecting sheep.

The first chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the main classical and emerging diseases which pose a threat to global sheep production, including diseases of the reproductive, nervous, respiratory and alimentary systems, as well as diseases of the skin and feet.

The second chapter reviews the challenge posed by gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections in sheep and discusses the growing problem of anthelmintic resistance to anthelmintic drugs conventionally used for GIN control. The chapter also considers the use of alternative approaches and complementary interventions, such as selective breeding, grazing management and nutritional supplementation.

The third chapter addresses key issues in the design and implementation of disease surveillance systems in sheep populations. The chapter also reviews different types of surveillance and flock health objectives, data sources, testing and sampling techniques.

The final chapter describes common diseases of sheep and some commonly used vaccines and explains why the identification of immunological correlates underpins vaccine design. A case study on ovine enzootic abortion is used as a model to discuss current barriers to progress and future opportunities for applications of immunology to improve sheep production.