Guidelines on the Disease during the Conversion Period

• If caseous lymphadenitis is present prior to conversion, the eradication of the disease from the flock should be part of the Flock Health Plan as it is a major threat to welfare.

• All known infected animals should be isolated and destroyed. The flock should be regularly checked for the occurrence of new cases.

• Good hygiene should be maintained at lambing, docking and castration to prevent the disease from spreading.

• Management measures should aim at preventing the disease from entering the flock; for example, maintaining closed flocks, prolonged quarantine periods for bought-in stock (up to 4 months) and proper hygiene measures at shearing. Currently, Veterinary Investigation Centres will culture suspect cases free of charge.