Sheep Pneumonia Welfare: Prevention and Management

Pneumonia is a leading cause of welfare compromise and economic loss in sheep flocks worldwide, with effective prevention strategies available but underutilized.

Key Facts

Ovine respiratory disease complex causes significant pain, respiratory distress, and chronic production losses in affected flocks
Pasteurella and Mannheimia bacteria are the primary pathogens, often secondary to viral infection or stress-induced immunosuppression
Poor ventilation in housed sheep dramatically increases respiratory disease risk and severity
Mixing sheep from different sources without quarantine and biosecurity protocols is a major pneumonia trigger
Effective vaccines against Pasteurella species significantly reduce pneumonia incidence when combined with good management

Welfare Considerations

Sheep with pneumonia experience respiratory distress, fever, reduced appetite, and chronic pain, often for extended periods before treatment is sought or effective. The welfare cost of endemic respiratory disease in many flocks is substantial and persistent. Preventive approaches including adequate ventilation, vaccination programs, reduced mixing stress, and quarantine of new arrivals are more effective and welfare-positive than relying on antibiotic treatment of established disease.

What You Can Do

Ensure housed sheep facilities have adequate natural ventilation to reduce respiratory disease risk
Implement Pasteurella vaccination programs with veterinary guidance
Quarantine new arrivals and avoid unnecessary mixing of sheep from different sources
Seek prompt veterinary treatment for sheep showing respiratory disease signs to reduce suffering duration