New partnership to tackle ‘iceberg’ diseases in sheep

The Wales Veterinary Science Centre (WVSC) has partnered with the National Sheep Association (NSA) Wales to support sheep farmers in improving flock health and productivity by identifying and controlling iceberg diseases.

Iceberg diseases, such as maedi visna and Johne’s, pose significant health, welfare, and economic challenges, often causing substantial negative impacts on farm productivity and profitability.

WVSC director Dr Kate Hovers explains that iceberg diseases are named for their tendency to remain largely undetected, with visibly symptomatic sheep representing only a small fraction of the problem.

See also: How to identify and treat five sheep ‘iceberg diseases’

These diseases are inherently challenging to control and diagnose because the early symptoms are typically mild and vague, allowing the disease to spread unnoticed and lead to persistent subclinical infections, thereby reducing production efficiency.

WVSC centre manager Dr Hazel Wright said the funding from NSA Cymru has enabled her organisation to perform and validate Enferplex testing for sheep flocks.

This testing, proven effective in other EU countries, can significantly improve flock health and productivity.

However, despite its benefits, awareness of and routine screening for iceberg diseases remain low within the industry.

NSA Cymru development officer Helen Roberts said the association recognised iceberg diseases as a current and significant threat to the sheep industry.

She said having top-tier testing facilities was crucial for combating these diseases and enhancing overall productivity and health within the sector.

“These tests are an extremely important management tool and will benefit and protect the whole sheep industry going forward,” she added.