5: Episode 5: Flock health status- biosecurity and quarantine

In this episode we are joined by Michael Gottstein Head of Sheep in Teagasc to discuss biosecurity risks posed when introducing new sheep to the flock. Michael outlines the potential risks that can be introduced to a flock from purchased animals, from resistant parasite and lameness to abortive agents and iceberg diseases. Having a quarantine procedure in place to deal with stock entering the farm is a vital step, Michael takes us through the mitigating strategies that can be employed to reduce the risks. We also discuss some of the potential vaccination programmes that can be implemented on farm to reduce the effects of abortive agents. Some of these unwanted conditions have a long incubation period before physical signs are evident. We discuss the benefits of examining stock on farm and purchasing stock from a limited number of known sources.