Good Practice based on Current Knowledge

In clean flocks:

• Maintain a closed flock policy.

• Make sure your sheep shearer has disinfected the clippers thoroughly before starting to clip your sheep.

• Any new arrivals should go through a period of isolation (if possible, up to 4 months) and be examined for swellings and discharging abscesses before mixing with the existing flock. Currently, Veterinary Investigation Centres will culture suspect cases free of charge.

• Good hygiene should be maintained during lambing, docking and castration.

If disease is confirmed:

• Isolate and destroy infected animals.

• The clipper blades should be dipped in strong disinfectant between sheep. Any cuts on sheared sheep should be treated with antiseptic (iodine). Any pus discharged onto the floors and bedding should be cleaned up and the area disinfected.

• Dipping should not be carried out prior to two weeks after clipping.

• Good hygiene should be maintained during lambing, docking and castration.

• The disease has been known on rare occasions to infect humans, and good personal hygiene should be maintained when handling infected animals.