In Practice 26: 290-295 (2004)
© 2004 British Veterinary Association

Developing flock health plans

¹ The farm department of a large mixed practice based at Barnard Castle.

WHILE strategic whole-flock advice and the implementation of appropriate preventative measures are not new concepts for veterinary surgeons working with sheep, flock health plans are becoming increasingly important in the sheep industry and will, in the future, play a vital role in the management of sheep. Establishing a health plan on a farm can help the farmer, shepherd and veterinary surgeon to plan ahead and develop procedures to ensure the long-term health and welfare of a particular flock. This must be balanced with the economics and specific practical issues associated with the individual farm. This article discusses some practical health issues concerning sheep and highlights the benefits of flock health plans and proactive preventative medicine.

Note:

The author would like to thank Chris Lewis, Richard Vecqueray and Debby Folley for their helpful comments and Neville Turner for the photographs used in this article.