New Support Offered to Combat Iceberg Diseases

A new program is being made available to sheep farmers in an effort to help them detect and manage iceberg infections, which will enhance flock health and production. To provide the additional help, the National Sheep Association (NSA) Wales and the Wales Veterinary Science Centre (WVSC) have partnered.

Sheep iceberg illnesses like Maedi Visna and Johnes have a range of negative effects on welfare, economics, and health. Additionally, they may significantly harm farm enterprises’ revenue and production.

Dr Kate Hovers, WVSC director stated: “Iceberg diseases are so named because it is likely that the majority of infected stock remain hidden under the surface and that sheep with visible signs or symptoms represent just the tip of the problem.

They continued: “By their very nature, iceberg diseases are difficult to control, and it can be very hard to identify infected animals.”