Every case of abortion should be treated as having the potential to be more serious with alarm bells ringing once the incidence reaches 2% of the flock. A quick reaction is vital in preventing the potential spread of a disease such as chlamydia abortion (enzootic abortion).

Any animal that aborts should be isolated from the flock until the cause is known. Ideally, all aborted material, including the foetus and foetal membranes, should be collected and submitted for examination to your local veterinary lab. This must be carried out through your vet who must arrange delivery with your lab. It is important to clean and disinfect the area where the abortion occurs. It is also critical to take necessary precautions as some disease causing pathogens are zoonotic and have the potential to also harm pregnant women (toxoplasmosis poses a serious risk).

Schmallenberg virus is also hitting flocks and herds in north England and Wales. It is worth keeping in mind and being vigilant of any suspect cases.

Schmallenberg virus: what you need to know

Sheep management: abortion vigilance

Sheep management: drafting hill lambs

Sheep management: abortion vigilance

Flocks will often experience an abortion case in ewes in late pregnancy with the cause not stemming from a disease and brought about by a ewe getting injured, for example.