A recent workshop on the control of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) by Moredun Research Institute found that in the absence of a vaccine, treatment or blood test, ultrasound scanning was the best option to identify preclinical signs and may help with control of the disease.

OPA is an infectious lung cancer that affects sheep. It is caused by a virus known as jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus. Typical signs are difficulty in breathing often with marked loss in weight, although clinical signs may not show for several years. OPA is commonly introduced to flocks through the purchase of apparently healthy animals carrying the virus.

The workshop concluded that now was the time to look at developing a scheme to prevent and control the disease.